Koeman named new Dutch boss
Ronald Koeman named new Netherlands head coach
Takes over from Dick Advocaat after the Dutch failed to qualify for Russia 2018
First position as a national team manager
Ronald Koeman has been announced as the new national team coach of the Netherlands, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract, the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) confirmed.
Koeman's long-term mission will be to guide the Dutch back to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ after they failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia under head coach Dick Advocaat.
The Netherlands finished in third place behind France and Sweden in UEFA Group A in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
The Netherlands also missed out on UEFA EURO 2016 prior to Russia 2018, so Koeman's task will also be to get the Dutch back to the continental finals, which will be held in 12 cities in 12 different host countries.
For a country with great international pedigree—the Netherlands finished runners-up at the 2010 World Cup and in third place at Brazil 2014—Koeman will be eager to get them back to those great heights.
Koeman factfile
Played 78 games for the Netherlands and scored 14 goals
Named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1987 and 1988
Major honours as player: UEFA EURO 1988 and captained the Netherlands at 1994 World Cup
Clubs managed: Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ Alkmaar, Feyenoord, Southampton, Everton
"I am really excited and really proud," Koeman said at his introductory press conference. "It was always one of my ambitions. We have a lot of good players and talented players. I'm really positive about the future of the national team. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have taken this job."
The 54-year-old takes charge of a national team for the first time in his career having managed nine clubs prior, the latest being with Everton in the Premier League.
His first task as head coach will be guiding the Netherlands in the newly-formed UEFA Nations League, where they will compete in League A Group 1 with Germany and France.
The KNVB also announced Nico-Jan Hoogma as a director of football. Hoogma has been working as a general manager for Eredivisie side Heracles Almelo for over ten years.