Ronald Koeman to replace Louis van Gaal as Netherlands boss after 2022 World Cup in Qatar
- Planet Sport writer
- 6 April 2022
The Royal Dutch Football Association has confirmed Louis van Gaal will leave his post at the end of the World Cup, with Ronald Koeman to return for a second spell as manager of the national team.
Former Manchester United, Barcelona and Ajax manager Louis van Gaal recently announced he was being treated for prostate cancer.
Despite this, the current Netherlands boss underlined his intention to oversee the team's 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar.
The Dutch FA have now confirmed that Ronald Koeman will become his successor, having signed a new contract until the 2026 World Cup.
The 59-year-old reacted to the news on social media, tweeting: "Proud to share I will be the manager of Netherlands' national team again after the WC. I am very much looking forward, let's reach new successes together!"
Koeman managed Holland between 2018 and 2020 before leaving the role and enduring an unsuccessful 14-month spell with Barcelona.
During his first run as national team manager, the Dutchman led his side to the inaugural UEFA Nations League final as well as Euro 2020 qualification.
In a Dutch FA statement, Koeman added: "I am looking forward to the new collaboration.
"About a year and a half ago I certainly did not leave the Dutch national team out of dissatisfaction.
"My stay felt good, the results were good and the click with the internationals was good. We will continue on that path in the future."
The Netherlands finished top of their 2022 World Cup qualifying group and will face Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador in the tournament's group stage.
Director of professional football at the Dutch FA, Marianne van Leeuwen, said: "I did not want to wait to fill in the succession of Louis van Gaal.
"The changing of the guard will soon fall at an atypical moment; the end of the calendar year, a period in which top trainers have been under contract for a long time.
"Already in mid-January we decided to contact Ronald, who was available. We are very happy that Ronald will return next year.
"During his previous term as national coach, there was great satisfaction with his work and the results."
