The Dutch KNVB have confirmed the departure of manager Ronald Koeman as he signs a two-year contract with Spanish giants Barcelona.
- by Michael Statham
- Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
Koeman stated as recently as July that he intended to remain as Netherlands head coach until after the postponed Euro 2020 tournament taking place in 2021. There was previously a clause in Koeman’s contract, however, meaning that if Barcelona came asking for his services, that he could leave.
The 57-year-old has previously stated his desire to manage Barcelona as they are his ‘dream club’.
About the switch, Koeman said, “I found it an honour to be manager of the Netherlands national team. The last two-and-a-half years I have given everything to achieve success with Oranje. I look back with pride what we have reached in this period. The Dutch national team has a nice future, I am convinced of this. Everybody knows the fact that Barcelona is my dream club. It feels special for me to become coach there.”
Whilst the KNVB search for a successor, Koeman’s assistant, Dwight Lodeweges, will take temporary charge of the Nations League matches against Poland and Italy in early September.
Follow
Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
Yes, I agree, it is a shame that he leaves but, I wish him the best, The national team has great talent and can continue on its course as Koeman brought back the confidence that comes when there is positive unity in a team as it posts wins.
For the euros I would like to see Van Gaal as coach
Until they find a permanent coach for the World Cup qualifiers.
Van Gaal would be a great coach for this young and up and coming national team.