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Marco van Basten to take AZ Alkmaar break over health concerns

Marco van Basten is to take a break from coaching AZ Alkmaar due to health concerns, the Eredivisie club has announced.

Van Basten, 49, missed his team's 3-1 win at Dordecht on Saturday, with the club revealing that the coach had been in "physical discomfort for some time because of personal matters" following his father's death in July.

However, the club have now said he will remain absent until Sept. 14.

"Health comes first and as a club we take our responsibility seriously," the club's director of football Earnest Stewart told their official website.

"On the advice of our club doctor and in consultation with Marco we have decided rest would aid his recovery. Football is very important but good health is more important than that."

No details have been released regarding the condition of the former Netherlands international. Dutch media has reported he has been suffering from stress-related heart palpitations.

Alex Pastoor and Dennis Haar will take charge of the side for a friendly match against Belgian side Mechelen and a league match against Heerenveen after the international break.

Van Basten enjoyed a glittering playing career at Ajax and Milan, winning three Eredivisie titles with the former before going on to collect three scudettos and two European Cups for the Rossoneri, where he was named FIFA's Player of the Year in 1992.