Frank de Boer has announced his decision to step down as Netherlands head coach after a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign.
De Boer – who replaced Ronald Koeman as the team boss last September, took the decision not to lead the side through to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 51-year-old announced his decision in an official statement on Tuesday in the wake of Netherlands surprise last-16 exit to the Czech Republic.
The statement read: “In anticipation of the evaluation, I have decided not to continue as national coach. The objective has not been achieved, that is clear.
“When I was approached to become national coach in 2020, I thought it was an honour and a challenge, but I was also aware of the pressure that would come upon me from the moment I was appointed.
“That pressure is only increasing now, and 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 its way to World Cup qualification.
“I want to thank everyone, of course, the fans and the players. My compliments also to the management who have created a real top sports climate here.”
Nico-Jan Hoogma, director of football for the Netherlands FA, added: “Despite all of Frank’s efforts, the goal of at least reaching the quarter-finals has not been achieved.
“We had bet on a better European Championship, but that didn’t work out. The choice for Frank turned out differently than we had hoped.
“A successor must now be found by me, after good internal consultation. It is imperative to do so, because on September 1 we will be playing the important qualifier against Norway in Oslo. We will now evaluate further, broader than just the coach, sharpen the profile, and do the work that can be expected of us here.”
