Ronald Koeman has stepped down as head coach of the Netherlands national football team following the team’s elimination in the Round of 32 of the World Cup.
The Dutch side crashed out of the tournament after losing to Morocco national football team in a penalty shootout, bringing an end to a disappointing campaign.
Announcing his decision in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Koeman said he was taking full responsibility for the team’s early exit.
“I made the decision to end my tenure as head coach of the Dutch national team. We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would make history. That didn’t happen. No one is more disappointed about that than I am. As head coach, you bear that responsibility.”
The Netherlands had progressed to at least the Round of 16 in each of their previous 11 World Cup appearances, including reaching the quarter-finals at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The defeat to Morocco also marked the third consecutive World Cup in which the Dutch were eliminated via a penalty shootout.
Koeman faced criticism during the tournament over his team’s cautious and defensive approach and ultimately chose not to extend his contract, which was due to expire after the World Cup.
Reflecting on his departure, the 63-year-old thanked his coaching staff, players, and everyone involved with the national team for their commitment during his two spells in charge.
“This was not an easy decision to make. I am grateful for the dedication shown by everyone involved with Oranje during both of my periods as head coach. Although our World Cup campaign ended much earlier than we had hoped, I will always cherish the great cooperation and many wonderful moments we shared.”
Koeman added that he now intends to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, saying it felt like “the right and most natural decision.”
This was Koeman’s second stint as Netherlands manager. He returned to the role after Louis van Gaal stepped down following the 2022 World Cup, where the Dutch reached the quarter-finals before losing on penalties to eventual champions Argentina national football team.
During his second spell, Koeman guided the Netherlands to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024, their first appearance in the last four of a major international tournament since the 2014 World Cup.