Dutch FA rule out replacing Blind with Koeman

Amid speculation regarding Ronald Koeman and the Netherlands job after their failure to qualify for Euro 2016, the Dutch FA have confirmed that Danny Blind will remain manager of the national side.

After the Netherlands’ nightmare campaign of qualifying, it was expected by some that Danny Blind would be yet another Dutch manager to be put to the sword, after just a few games with the Dutch side.

Ronald Koeman’s native Holland side crashed out of the Euros after failing to secure even a play-off spot on Tuesday evening, losing 3-2 to the Czech Republic at home; understandably raising serious concerns over the Dutch side and its management, leading to calls for Koeman.

However, Dutch FA executive director Bert van Oostveen has backed Blind to manage the Netherlands beyond the Euro Qualification, and has insisted he will remain in charge. When asked, before Tuesday’s game, van Oostveen said: “We are not going to do anything crazy. After the match against the Czech Republic Danny will also be on the bench, whether it’s during a play-off duel or during an exhibition game, it does not matter.”

Koeman also, on several occasions, has reiterated that he has no desire to manage the Netherlands while he is in charge of Southampton, and he has told the media several times that he will see out his contract with The Saints, which ends in the summer of 2017.