[Official] "Compared to Japan, shocked by defeat to Morocco": Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman suddenly resigns, "Now heading back to family"... A lonely exit after three years

*This content was translated by AI.

Ronald Koeman (63), who led the Orange Army, has stepped down from his post, taking responsibility for the Netherlands' early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced Koeman's resignation via its official channels on the 1st (Korean time). The KNVB stated, "Coach Koeman has conveyed his intention not to extend his contract, which is nearing its expiration."

Nigel de Jong, KNVB Elite Football Director, said, "Coach Koeman has dedicated himself with complete conviction over the past few years. On behalf of the KNVB, I offer my deepest gratitude," as he bid farewell.

The Netherlands had already concluded its tournament after drawing 1-1 with Morocco in the Round of 32 match held at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico the previous day, ultimately losing 2-3 in a penalty shootout. This marked their departure from the first single-elimination match of the World Cup, which has expanded to 48 participating nations. In 11 previous World Cup appearances, the Netherlands had never failed to reach the Round of 16.

Koeman's tactics came under scrutiny. In the opening group stage match against Japan, the team failed to maintain a two-goal lead twice, resulting in a 2-2 draw and an uneasy start. Although they appeared to turn the tide by defeating Sweden (5-1 win) and Tunisia (3-1 win) in succession, they could not overcome the pressure of the tournament stage.

In the Round of 32 match against Morocco, the Netherlands took an early lead but consistently adopted an overly defensive approach, conceding an equalizer and ultimately facing the bitter outcome of a penalty shootout defeat.

Coach Koeman bowed his head via his personal social media (SNS), stating, "We all dreamed of making history at the World Cup, but we could not. It pains me. As a coach, I believe I must take responsibility."

He hinted that "family" was the background to this resignation. Coach Koeman said, "I want to spend more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. At this moment, that is the right and natural decision." He added, "I am especially grateful to my wife, Bartina, for supporting me in my role as national team coach even while she battled breast cancer. When a loved one faces a difficult struggle, one's perspective on the world changes. Health cannot be exchanged for anything."

As a player, Koeman was a legend who appeared in 78 international matches and led the Netherlands to victory in Euro 1988. After transitioning to coaching, he successfully managed the Netherlands national team from 2018 to 2020, before taking charge again in January 2023. While he achieved results such as reaching the Euro 2024 semifinals, his second tenure came to an end after just over three years.

The KNVB is set to immediately begin the process of appointing a new coach in preparation for the upcoming September UEFA Nations League.

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*This content was translated by AI.