Van Basten hopes for Heerenveen boost

Marco van Basten is hoping for a UEFA Champions League adventure after he was confirmed as the new coach of Heerenveen for next season. The Netherlands legend will succeed Ron Jans in the summer at the Friesland outfit, having agreed a two-year contract. And the 47-year-old pledged not to interfere in Jans' business as the club, who currently lie third in the Eredivisie, bid to upset the established order and reach Europe's biggest stage next season. "They are doing well, so I do not want to become a troublemaker," he said at a press conference reported by De Telegraaf. "I will keep an eye on things and there will be conversations, but I must be no obstruction. "It would be nice if we could play Champions League. This is an ambitious club that wants to play at a higher level, but is also realistic. I want to do all I can to build on that next season." Van Basten previously managed the Netherlands national team from 2004 to 2008 and then returned to Ajax, his first club as a player. He resigned after failing to qualify for the Champions League, though, and has been out of management for three years since.