Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed that he would remain the head coach of the national team next summer after Euro 2020 was postponed. The Dutchman is understood to have mutually agreed to join the Blaugrana after the completion of Euro 2020 but he is now expected to continue with the national side after the continental competition was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to Marca, Koeman revealed that he has a clause to join the Blaugrana after the European Championship but that won’t get active until 2021, he told: “The clause in my contract to go to Barça is after the Euro Cup. No date has been mentioned, so now it is after the European Championship in 2021. But anyway, I haven’t thought about it for a second.”
Meanwhile, Koeman believes the postponement may benefit the Dutch national team, considering they can bank on the services of Memphis Depay following his recovery from a serious knee problem. When asked about the benefit, he told: “It is a stroke of luck, but I regret that the Eurocup is not played now.
“We qualified with a good level, we were in good dynamics and we wanted to continue. We understand the decision that has been made and we are not surprised. What is paramount is human health and preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Now we will consider how we can prepare for the moment when international soccer competitions are restarted.”
The Netherlands are without Depay and Steven Bergwijn through long-term injuries and their absence would definitely have hampered the country’s prospect of winning Euro 2020. As such, the postponement can be regarded as a blessing in disguise for Koeman’s side, who could have a full-strength squad at their disposal next summer.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are currently working under the guidance of Quique Setien. The Spaniard is contracted with the club until June 2022 and it appears likely that he would remain at the helm next season with Koeman expected to stay in charge of the Netherlands for another 15 months.