Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has resigned after the team’s exit from the World Cup. He announced his departure less than 24 hours after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the round of 16.
Koeman announced his resignation in a statement posted on Instagram. The Royal Dutch Football Association subsequently confirmed the decision.
“I made the decision last night. I will no longer continue as coach of the Netherlands national team,” Koeman wrote. “We all dreamed of making history at this World Cup, but we could not. No one is more disappointed by this shattered dream than I am. As coach, the responsibility for this failure ultimately falls on me.”
The 63-year-old former Dutch defender also hinted he may end his coaching career entirely to spend more time with his unwell wife. “Over the past few years, I have come to realize there are things in life more important than football. Football is my life. But a person’s health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a difficult battle, your perspective on life changes. Despite being unwell, my wife has constantly supported me so that I could finish my work as coach. I cannot express my gratitude to her in words.”
Koeman succeeded Louis van Gaal after the Netherlands’ quarterfinal exit from the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He had also served as Netherlands coach from 2018 to 2020. Under his tenure, the team reached the Euro 2024 semifinals but failed to beat any side ranked in the FIFA top 25.
In his farewell statement, Koeman thanked the federation, players, coaching staff, supporters, and everyone involved. He expressed regret at not being able to leave with a World Cup victory but said he was proud of his long career in coaching and football.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report