Ronald Koeman has announced his resignation as Netherlands coach following their elimination at the World Cup.
The Netherlands' premature elimination from the World Cup has consequences: Ronald Koeman has resigned as coach of the national team. Just like DFB-Elf (3:4 on penalties against Paraguay), Elftal was also eliminated from the World Cup already in the round of 32. Against the strong Morocco, Virgil van Dijk & Co. had to capitulate with a 2:3, but this time on penalties. The disappointment for the Oranje is obviously enormous, as well as for Ronald Koeman, who after the defeat against the Moroccans had initially left the question regarding his future open, but has now decided to draw the consequences from the poor result. The 63-year-old, who coached the national team from 2018 to 2020 and from the beginning of 2023, published a statement on Instagram in which he announced his resignation: "Last night I made the decision to end my role as coach of the national team". Koeman said he feels, in light of his career, "pride and gratitude" for the privilege of having coached various clubs and, last but not least, in two distinct periods, the Oranje. In his second term, he led the Dutch national team to the semi-finals of EURO 2024. However, the gap with expectations was enormous, since it should have been an assignment that ended with the achievement of historic goals at the World Cup. "No one is more disappointed than me. As coach of the national team you have this responsibility. Responsibility is something I have always felt and will continue to feel." However, Koeman's words leave room for interpretation: it seems that the former defender has no intention of embarking on another coaching career. "The last few years have made me understand that there are more important things than football. Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love with all your heart has to fight a difficult battle, your perspective changes. My wife Bartina, despite being facing her own personal battle, has always supported and encouraged me to finish my job as coach of the national team. This is a sign of incredible strength. For this I will always be grateful to her, more than words can express." The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has also announced that Koeman will not complete his contract, which officially expires after the 2026 World Cup. Therefore, the KNVB must now start looking for a new coach. Rumors are already circulating about Peter Bosz, current manager of PSV Eindhoven. Bosz is under contract with the Dutch club until 2028.
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