Ronald Koeman returns as Netherlands manager

Ronald Koeman is the current manager of the Netherlands

OFFICIAL Ronald Koeman returns as Netherlands manager

Faruq Ibrahim 19:54 - 23.01.2023

Ronald Koeman takes over as the new head coach of the Netherlands men's national team.

Ronald Koeman has been announced today as the new manager of the Netherlands men's national team. 

The 59-year-old who previously left the role in 2020 to manage Barcelona would take over from Louis Van Gaal who vacated the role following Netherlands' defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final.

Koeman signs for the Dutch 

Koeman was announced as the new manager of the Dutch men's national team today. He was presented by the director of professional football Marianne van Leeuwen.

Ronald Koeman with director of professional football Marianne van Leeuwen during his presentation.
Ronald Koeman with director of professional football Marianne van Leeuwen during his presentation.

The manager honoured by his new appointment spoke about how it feels nice coming back home.  

“I have been presented somewhere where I did not know the way. It feels nice here, like coming home,” Koeman said at his presentation, per De Telegraaf.

"Therefore, it will be a little easier to tackle this job. Because I know where I am and how I want it.”

Koeman was approached for the job in February last year, and the former Everton manager revealed that he was surprised as he planned to leave management after he was sacked by Barcelona.

 “I was surprised. They got there early. It was something I aspired to. After Barcelona, I was done with being a trainer, the daily pressure and the difficulties.”

Koeman in charge of the Dutch for a second time

Koeman previously held the role of head coach of the Netherlands men's national team from 2018 to 2020 before leaving to take the Barcelona job. 

Koeman signs his contract with Netherlands
Koeman signs his contract with Netherlands

During that time, they reached the final of the Nation's League, and he helped them qualify for the Euros they missed in the previous edition. 

“This is an honorary job, I already said that when I was presented in 2018. I am happy and proud to be given this opportunity again,” Koeman reminisced about his previous stint.

“Those two years with the group gave me so much joy. Being busy with football and preparing things with your staff and then working together for about ten days.”

Koeman becomes the fourth manager in the last 30 years to have multiple spells as the head coach of the Orange.

After Louis Van Gaal and Dick Advocaat's three stints, Koeman would be joining Guus Hiddink as having led the national team twice.