Frank De Boer quits as Netherlands coach

THE HAGUE - Following an early exit at Euro 2020 Frank de Boer has stepped down as Netherlands coach, the Dutch football association KNVB announced on Tuesday.

During consultations in Zeist with the KNVB directors Nico-Jan Hoogma and Eric Gudde De Boer stated that he wanted to quit, while the Dutch association concluded that the coach did not reach the goal of reaching the quarter-finals at least. As a result both parties agreed that it was best to part ways.

"Prior to the evaluation, I already decided not to go on as national team coach," De Boer stated in a press release. "The goal has not been achieved, that is clear."

In September last year former Dutch international De Boer was named successor of Ronald Koeman as Netherlands coach. He signed a contract until the 2022 World Cup.

During Euro 2020 the Netherlands ended up as winners of Group C after wins over Ukraine (3-2), Austria (2-0) and North Macedonia (3-0). Last Sunday the Dutch were ousted by Czech Republic (2-0) in the last 16 of the tournament.

The pressure on De Boer was already high following the change to a more defensive 5-3-2 system and some disputable decisions over the past period. After the infamous exit at Euro 2020 the pressure rose and his position had become practically untenable.

"That is not a healthy situation for me, nor for the squad in the run-up to such an important match for Dutch football on the way to World Cup qualification," De Boer added, referring to the match against Norway in Oslo on September 1.

The KNVB stated that it will hurry to name a new head coach before that match in the 2022 World Cup qualification.

'Oranje' are currently second in the group with six points, one point after group leaders Turkey.