Ronald Koeman has resigned as head coach of the Netherlands after they crashed out of the World Cup following defeat by Morocco in the last 32.
Koeman, 63, announced on Instagram that he was stepping down hours after they were beaten by Morocco in a penalty shootout.
The former Barcelona and Everton boss said he made the decision immediately after the Dutch’s early exit from the tournament in North America. It brings to an end his second spell in charge of the national team, a role he also held from 2018 to 2020.
‘Last night I took the decision to end my stint as head coach of the Dutch National Team,’ Koeman wrote.
‘Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud and grateful. I have had the privilege to work at Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ, Feyenoord, Southampton, Everton, FC Barcelona and of course two periods at Oranje. Clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.
‘That’s why it hurts that my period at Oranje ends like that. We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would write history. That didn’t work out. No one is more disappointed about that than me. As a head coach, you carry that responsibility. I have always felt that and I will always continue to feel that.’
Ronald Koeman has dramatically quit as manager of the Netherlands after their World Cup exit
Koeman also referenced
‘Moreover, the past years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football. Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes. My wife Bartina has supported and encouraged me every day to finish my work as a national coach, despite her own illness process. That is a testimony to incredible strength. I appreciate her more than I’ll ever be able to put into words.
‘I want to thank all the players I had the pleasure to work with. Your efforts, character and confidence have motivated me every day. Thanks also to my staff, the KNVB, all the employees behind the scenes and the clubs I’ve allowed to work with. But above all thanks to the supporters. For being supportive even in times when it was difficult. It was a great honor to be able to represent the Netherlands as a head coach.
‘Saying goodbye to mixed feelings. Of course I would have liked to end my time at Oranje with a world title. Unfortunately, that dream was left unfulfilled. But above all pride prevails. Proud of everything football has brought me, the people I’ve met and the fact that I’ve been able to make my biggest passion my profession.
‘Thank you for all those years of trust, criticism, support, disappointments, successes and so on.’
