Ronald Koeman is set to return to the Dutch national team, as confirmed by the KNVB. He will be succeeding Louis Van Gaal following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Van Gaal will be stepping down as the head coach of the national team because of his battle with prostate cancer.
The 70-year-old is receiving radiation treatment as of now, and has insisted his illness is not terminal. He will lead his country to the pinnacle of international football before his term is done, and will be stepping away right after.
Ronald Koeman returning as manager of Netherlands
Koeman was most recently the manager of Barcelona, and was replaced by Xavi following a poor run of results in the league. He previously managed the Dutch national team between 2018 and 2020, and will be the head coach again from 2023.
“I am looking forward to the new collaboration. A little over a year and a half ago, I certainly did not leave the Dutch national team out of dissatisfaction,” he said.
“My stay felt good, the results were good and the click with the internationals was good. We will soon continue on that path. That is certain for me.”
The Dutch board moved quickly to find a replacement for Louis Van Gaal after they were made aware of his diagnosis. They talked to Ronald Koeman, who is currently out of a managerial role, and reached an agreement about his return in 2023 quickly.
