A heartbreaking penalty exit and tactical blunders have ended Koeman’s second tenure, leaving the Oranje to search for a successor capable of restoring their iconic attacking identity.
Who will be the new manager?
After topping Group F in scintillating fashion, the Netherlands were knocked out by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32 in heartbreaking fashion.
Ronald Koeman has since resigned from his post as the Netherlands manager for the second time. In this second stint as manager, aside from this World Cup, he took the Oranje to the semi-final of the Euros 2024, where they eventually lost to England 2-1.
He has become the third manager so far in the round of 32 to resign, following Steve Clarke from Scotland and Hong Myung-Bo from South Korea.
While this is not an unexpected resignation, his story at this World Cup will be full of many "what ifs".
Poor end to his reign
During the group stages against Sweden and Tunisia, this Dutch side captured the imagination of many neutrals.
The fast, dynamic and direct attacks spearheaded by Brian Brobbey was electric to watch. This system combined with the 'total football' style that the Oranje have played with for generations made them a deadly propositon and could have taken them far.
However, his baffling decision to switch to a pragmatic five-back which cost him points against Japan set them immediatly on the back foot. They were constantly overloaded in midfield and seemed to invite chances from Morocco who themselves could have scored three or four in the first half.
Their biggest strength was the way they used to counter but their attack was stifled with Brobbey often left isolated.
Koeman defended his decision by saying (quotes via Goal): "You can think whatever you like, but we gave away much less against a team that was stronger than Sweden and Tunisia. If I had to do it again, I’d do it all the same way. As the Dutch coach when the equaliser is scored I am always going to be scolded for the fact I chose five defenders."
Who could replace him?
One of the big managers who has recently lost jobs could likely be on the shortlist to replace Koeman. The important thing here is not only to do each of the following managers play with a 4-2-3-1, but their style aligns with what the Netherlands needs.
Arne Slot might be the favourite candidate by many. Despite the failures at Liverpool, not only is he a Premier League champion but his style of play with Feyenoord dominated the Eridivise and has ultimately shown he is a winner.
Another potential candidate could be Ruud Van Nistelrooy. While he did not win the league with PSV, he showcased an entertaining style with an emphasis on playing the youth. Crucially, he was on the current coaching staff under Koeman at the World Cup, which means he has a rapport with the players. If the higher-ups want continuity but also a fresh face, he could be the man.
Finally, an outside choice could be Robin van Persie, who was recently sacked by Feyenoord. This may be unlikely given he only finished second; however, his style of play was the complete opposite to Koeman. A more consistently attacking style, which could be seen as too far of a switch from the previous set-up.
