While many loyalists stand by him - his assistant coaches quitting almost as regularly as he's been sacked - it's clear that Verbeek is a divisive and at times unlikeable character.

He's been involved in several spats with Dutch legends and opposing coaches. He's branded officials "dirty liars", going as far as to jeer a referee post-match: "I'm not finished with you."

He calls opposing clubs "horny" when they try to sign his players and is quick to accuse Russians of corruption when their media question his ethics.

But in a modern age when coaches are less people and more politicians, less bosses and more colleagues, less mentors and more friends - Verbeek is a rare example of someone who's remained true to his beliefs and personality, regardless of the consequences.

"Verbeek failed due to his own consistency," Dutch journalist Johan Derksen wrote in Voetbal International.

"He explained his method is holy, while the players had absolutely no understanding of his approach. Verbeek was not open to other ideas and so the players ignored his vision. This created constant conflicts.

"Today's coach must also be a manager of people, someone who is not afraid to argue, persuade and encourage discussion with his players."

If Australian footballers can withhold their egos and buy into Verbeek's approach, it could be a turning point, not just for Adelaide, but Australia as well.

Verbeek has very large shoes to fill in Adelaide, but he won't even attempt to fill them.

Maybe that's exactly what Australia needs.