From Newcastle Nets to Boardroom Ambitions: Tim Krul's New Path
Former Netherlands international goalkeeper Tim Krul has opened up about his life after professional football, revealing ambitious plans to move into club leadership following his retirement in September. The 37-year-old, who enjoyed a distinguished career across Premier League clubs including Newcastle United, Norwich City, and Luton Town, is now pursuing a Master's degree focused on the business side of sport.
In an exclusive interview conducted on Thursday 20th November 2025, Krul shared fascinating insights about the evolving role of goalkeepers and why modern shot-stoppers face unique challenges. "As a goalkeeper, it's harder facing a shot from 25 or 30 yards, especially with these new balls," Krul revealed, challenging conventional football wisdom about long-range efforts.
The Psychology of Goalkeeping and Leadership Vision
Krul, famously remembered for his penalty shoot-out heroics against Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup quarter-final, emphasized the mental aspects of goalkeeping that statistics often miss. He believes his experience could valuable complement analytical approaches in modern football leadership.
"We kind of went a little bit too far with analytics," Krul admitted, referencing the increasing influence of data in football. "That's obviously the influence from ownership." The former shot-stopper advocates for greater player perspective in executive decisions, noting that direct communication between management and dressing rooms could improve squad understanding.
From Pardew's Direct Orders to Onana's Struggles
Krul provided unique perspective on how goalkeeping requirements have cycled throughout his career. He recalled his time at Newcastle United under Alan Pardew, where tactical demands differed dramatically from his Dutch training. "I had to lump it 60 yards as a goal-kick because that's what Alan Pardew demanded!" he said, referencing aiming for target man Andy Carroll.
This experience gives him particular insight into Andre Onana's difficulties at Manchester United. "Onana was amazing at Ajax because you had 11 players who knew the system," Krul explained. "But, with all due respect, in England, maybe one. If that was blocked off, you were in trouble."
Krul emphasized that aerial dominance has returned to Premier League football, requiring goalkeepers to command their areas with confidence. He highlighted the importance of relationships with defenders, noting that subconscious tensions could affect performance.
Building Towards a Leadership Future
Since retiring, Krul has been enjoying his first Christmas away from football and is currently shadowing Premier League clubs on commercial operations. His preparation for post-playing career began years before retirement through PFA courses.
"I would love to be part of a leadership team," Krul declared. "The thing I love about sport is working towards targets... to have that success, there's no better feeling." He believes his unique perspective from both Dutch and English football cultures, combined with his understanding of modern analytics and traditional player insight, positions him perfectly for executive roles.
Krul's appearance at the Web Summit tech forum in Lisbon marks another step in his transition from professional athlete to football business professional, bringing his hard-earned wisdom from the penalty spot to the boardroom.
