Ronald Koeman has decided to leave his position as manager of the Netherlands national football team the day after the Oranje were eliminated in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup against Morocco.

This decision comes amid strong criticism of the Dutch coach. His approach, deemed too cautious, particularly his choice to play with a five-man defense in the knockout match, has been fiercely contested by pundits and fans.

Despite these criticisms, Koeman defended his tactical choices after the match.

“If I had to do it again, I would do exactly the same thing. As the Netherlands coach, when the team concedes an equalizing goal, I will always be criticized for choosing five defenders. But you have the right to criticize. You watch from the stands, I am with the team, and I would make the same choice again,” he said.

This departure brings to an end his second stint as head coach of the Dutch national team and opens a new chapter for the Oranje, who will now have to find a new coach.

Source: Foot-Africa