Wilmots joins Advocaat for Belgium

Marc Wilmots, capped 70 times by Belgium, will assist new national coach Dick Advocaat, the Belgian football federation said Monday.

After dabbling in politics, Wilmots, 40, returns to football with Belgium already out of the World Cup and now looking to qualify for Euro 2012.

Dutchman Advocaat took over the beleaguered Belgians last Tuesday admitting he faced a “tremendous challenge” and will need the French language skills of Wilmots to help end a period of turmoil.

Wilmots first tried coaching at Schalke 04 in 2003, after ending his playing career with the German outfit following spells with Standard Liege and Bordeaux, and then moved on to St Truiden in Belgium the following year.

‘Willie’, as the Belgian assistant coach is popularly known, was elected a senator in 2003 but retired in 2005, becoming a television commentator.

Advocaat and Wilmot’s first game in charge will be at home against Turkey on October 10.