Ronald Koeman has resigned from his job with the Netherlands (Image: Getty)
Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman has resigned just hours after his team was eliminated from the World Cup. In the North American tournament, they tied with Japan 2-2 and got off to a slow start, but they bounced back and showed great performance in the final two games of the group stage.
They scored eight goals in each of their two games against Sweden and Tunisia, which was enough to advance to the last 32 as group winners. However, due to an unfortunate quirk in the way the group was drawn, their reward for finishing first was a knockout showdown with AFCON finalists Morocco.
The Netherlands took the lead midway through the second half with Kodi Gakpo’s goal, but could not take the lead. Issa Diop equalized in stoppage time and the match was ultimately decided on penalties, but the Netherlands lost 3-2.
It has been suggested that a reshuffle at the top could be imminent, especially as Koeman’s contract is due to expire after the World Cup. Koeman is now completely away from work and taking matters into his own hands.
In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, he said: “We all dreamed of a historic World Cup. It didn’t work out. No one is more disappointed in that than me. As a head coach, you have that responsibility. I’ve always felt that way and always will continue to feel that way.”
“Plus, the last few years have made me realize that there are more important things than football. Football has been my life, but health is irreplaceable. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes.”
“My wife Bartina, despite the course of her illness, supported and encouraged me every day to complete my task as national coach. It is a testament to incredible strength. I am grateful to her beyond words.”
“I would like to thank all the players I have had the pleasure of working with, whose effort, character and confidence inspire me every day. I would also like to thank my staff, the KNVB, all the employees who work behind the scenes and the clubs that have allowed me to work with them.
“But most of all I would like to thank our supporters. They supported me even when things were difficult. It was a great honor to represent the Netherlands as head coach.”
Netherlands eliminated from World Cup in penalty shootout (Image: Getty)
“I say goodbye with mixed feelings. Of course, I wanted to end my time in Oranje by winning a world title. Unfortunately, that dream did not come true. But pride prevails above all.
“I am proud of everything soccer has given me, the people I have met and the fact that I was able to turn my greatest passion into a profession.
“Thank you for all your trust, criticism, support, disappointments, and successes over the years.”
This comes after Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized Koeman after the Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup. Speaking on FOX Sports after the match, he said: “I think Koeman is responsible for this loss because I didn’t recognize this Dutch team. I’m angry because he lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity. You lose with your own identity. That’s you.”
The Netherlands finished the game with less than 30% possession and only had two shots on target in 120 minutes.
They finished runners-up in three different competitions and remain the team to reach the World Cup finals the most times without winning a competition. The UEFA Nations League campaign will begin in the autumn, and qualification for Euro 2028 is scheduled to begin next year.
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