April 06, (THEWILL) – Ronald Koeman has agreed to a three-year contract as manager of the Netherlands, starting in 2023.
Since being fired by Barcelona earlier this season, the former Southampton and Everton manager has been without a job.
It will be Koeman’s second stint in command of his country, having previously guided them to runners-up in the UEFA Nations League and Euro 2020 qualification before joining Barca.
Following his announcement that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Louis van Gaal will lead the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar, but will stand down after the tournament.
About the appointment, an excited Koeman said: “I am looking forward to the new collaboration. A little over a year and a half ago, I certainly did not leave the Dutch national team out of dissatisfaction.
“My stay felt good, the results were good and the click with the internationals was good. We will soon continue on that path. That is certain for me.”
The 59-year-old also took to Twitter to make the announcement, posting: “Proud to share I will be the manager of Netherlands’ national team again after the WC. I am very much looking forward to reaching new successes together!”
Meanwhile, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) put out a statement on its website that read: “After the upcoming World Cup, Ronald Koeman will take over from Louis van Gaal as national coach.
“His contract for this with the KNVB will run until the World Cup in 2026 and has now been signed by both parties.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
