Frank De Boer has resigned as Netherlands manager following the team’s disappointing exit to Czech Republic in the Round of 16 at Euro 2020.
De Boer departs after only nine months in charge following Ronald Koeman’s exit after being appointed as Barcelona manager, with the former guiding Netherlands to top of Group C before suffering a shock ten-man defeat to Czech Republic on Sunday 27 June 2021.
The decision was therefore made between De Boer and the Dutch FA (KNVB) for him to stand down as manager, having failed to achieve his set target of reaching the Quarter-Finals at minimum.
Speaking on his departure, De Boer stated that his “objective” hadn’t been met despite it being “an honour and a challenge” to manage his home country at Euro 2020 and in the Netherlands’ opening World Cup qualifiers back in March.
The 51 year-old went on to place on record his thanks to both fans, players and KNVB for their support and providing “real top sports climate” at the team’s headquarters in Zeist.
Netherlands Director of Football, Nico-Jan Hoogma explained the decision behind De Boer’s exit, saying: “Despite all Frank’s efforts, the goal of reaching at least the quarter-finals has not been achieved. If it were not achieved, we would evaluate what might have led to a different outcome.
“We would have bet on a better European Championship, we didn’t succeed. The choice of Frank turned out differently than we had hoped.”
Hoogma went on to explain that a successor will be appointed after a “good international consultation” is undertaken, although he acknowledged that there isn’t long to wait because the next round of World Cup Qualifiers take place from 1-7 September against Norway, Montenegro and Turkey respectively.
It is thought that the consultation will require further evaluation beyond just the coach’s identity in order to ensure that the work that is expected of the Dutch can be achieved in coming years.