Koeman named Netherlands coach

Former Dutch footballer Ronald Koeman has appointed as the coach of Netherlands team on contract until the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The 54-year-old has earlier managed football clubs like Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, Feyenoord and Everton. It will however be his first stint with a national side since his managerial career started in 1997.

"The KNVB has reached agreement with Ronald Koeman (54) about the appointment as national coach of the Dutch national team," the Royal Dutch Football Association announced in a statement on Tuesday.

"Koeman has just signed a contract that connects him to Orange with immediate effect up to and including the World Cup 2022."

Koeman will be assisted by former German football club Hamburg SV defender Nico-Jan Hoogma.

"Nico-Jan Hoogma has also entered into a contract with the football association. Thanks to the cooperation of Heracles Almelo, where the 49-year-old Hoogma has been working as general manager since January 1 2007, he will be working as a director of top football in Zeist on 1 March. His contact runs until July 1 2022," the statement added.

--IANS

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