New Dutch national football coach Guus Hiddink was formally presented to the press on Friday and praised his predecessor’s approach at the recent World Cup.

Hiddink, who previously coached Oranje from 1994 to 1998, said the Dutch team had put in an excellent performance. ‘It was a very realistic approach,’ he said. ‘Dutch football was given a new kick start and we have to make the most of that.

‘Within the football association we have to dare to ask ourselves if we can improve our way of playing, and the will to survive, which came out in Brazil, is crucial in that.’

Hiddink said his first squad would be largely unchanged from Louis van Gaal’s team who came third at the World Cup. ‘The policy will remain the same. I am not going to mention names,’ he said.

Hiddink’s main task is to ensure Oranje qualify for the 2016 European Cup, which they crashed out of in the group stage in 2012.