Frank de Boer leaves role as Holland manager with immediate effect after bitter disappointment of Euros exit at hands of Czech Republic in last 16
Frank de Boer has been sacked from his position as Holland manager following their disappointing elimination from the Euros.
The Dutch coasted through to the last-16 stage with three wins from their three group games but came unstuck in a 2-0 defeat by the Czech Republic.
A statement on the Dutch federation’s website confirmed the news, with De Boer saying: ‘I have decided not to continue as national coach. The objective has not been achieved, that is clear.’
Frank de Boer has been sacked from his role as Holland manager after his side were eliminated
De Boer cited the increase in pressure on him as a reason for withdrawing immediately
De Boer took charge of the Oranje in September last year after his predecessor in the role, Ronald Koeman, stepped down to take over at Barcelona.
Holland were impressive in the group stage against Ukraine, Austria and North Macedonia, but the dismissal of defender Matthijs De Ligt proved costly against the Czech Republic.
De Boer added: ‘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 Dutch football on its way to World Cup qualification. I want to thank everyone, of course the fans and the players.
De Boer saw his side capitulate against the Czech Republic and they lost the game 2-0
‘My compliments also to the management who have created a real top sports climate here on campus.”
Holland’s director of football, Nico-Jan Hoogma, added: ‘Despite all of Frank’s efforts, the goal of at least reaching the quarterfinals has not been achieved.
‘If that had not been achieved, we would evaluate, which could possibly have produced a different outcome. 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 September 1st we will be playing the important qualifier against Norway in Oslo.
‘We will now evaluate further, broader than just the coach, sharpen the profile, do the work that can be expected of us here.’
Georginio Wijnaldum (right) expressed his disappointment with an Instagram post
Holland captain Georginio Wijnaldum shared his disappointment at the elimination with an Instagram post on Tuesday.
He wrote: ‘After taking some time with the team to start process this huge painful disappointment, I would like to thank all the fans for their fantastic support during the tournament and congrats to the Czech Republic for reaching the next round.
‘I’m very sorry to all the fans that we didn’t reach our goal and were knocked out this way.
‘It’s going to be a tough time to get back where we want to be, but we have to process this very quickly and then put all our energy into the qualifications for the World Cup. We have to come back stronger together.’