2026-07-01 08:38:57

Ronald Koeman has resigned as Netherlands boss following the team’s World Cup exit.

The coach announced his decision to step down after the Oranje were beaten on penalties by Morocco in their last 32 tie on Monday (29.06.26) as he took “responsibility” for his country’s elimination.

Koeman said in a statement on Instagram: “Last night I took the decision to end my stint as head coach of the Dutch national team. We all shared the dream of making history at this World Cup, but we fell short. No one is more disappointed by that than I am. As head coach, the responsibility ultimately rests with me.”

The former Barcelona boss hinted that he could retire from coaching altogether as his wife Bartina battles breast cancer.

Koeman, who returned as Dutch coach in 2023 after previously leading the national team from 2018 to 2020, said: “Moreover, the past few years have made me realise once again that ‌there are more important things than football. Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love dearly is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes.

“Despite her own illness, my wife Bartina supported and encouraged me every day to finish my work as head coach. That shows incredible strength. I am more grateful to her for that than I could ever ‌put into words.”

Koeman explained that his close bond with players and staff meant the decision to step down was “not easy” for him to make.

The former Dutch defender said: “Precisely because I have worked so closely and intensively with this coaching staff and this group of players for such a long time, this was not an easy decision to make.

“I am grateful and would like to express my sincere appreciation for the dedication shown by everyone involved with Oranje during both of my periods as head coach.

“Of course, it is deeply disappointing that our World Cup campaign has ended so early. But once I have had time to process it and look back, I will mainly remember the great cooperation and the many wonderful moments we shared together. I would therefore like to thank everyone who contributed to that. I have decided that now is the right time to spend more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. At this moment, it feels like the right and most natural decision.”

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