Ronald Koeman understands that he is saddling the KNVB with a problem with his upcoming departure to FC Barcelona. Nevertheless, the national coach also emphasizes that the union could have taken this into account because of a clause in his contract.
“I did not expect it to go so quickly,” said Koeman on Tuesday FOX Sports. On Monday evening, Barcelona fired trainer Quique Setién and a day later the 57-year-old Koeman seems to be appointed as his successor. The transition is not yet official, but will probably be completed on Tuesday.
That saddles the KNVB with an acute problem, because the Nations League game with Poland is scheduled for September 4, three days later against Italy. The pre-selection for those international matches will be announced on Wednesday.
“Timing is always awkward. And it also gets a bit raw on my roof”, says Koeman.
He was appointed as successor to Dick Advocaat in 2018. It was previously announced that Koeman has a clause in his contract, allowing him to leave for his dream club FC Barcelona for an agreed amount.
“Barcelona is the only club that I had included in my contract as a clause”, the national coach emphasizes. “It’s silly for the KNVB, but not unexpected.”
‘Good chance that it will be settled today’
Although the transition is no longer a secret, Koeman did not want to officially confirm his departure from the KNVB. “I can’t say anything until the signatures have been signed. It’s still all about details. It could well be done today.”
Media in Spain report that Koeman will be presented in Barcelona on Tuesday. According to it AD this will happen between 6 pm and 7 pm.
If the KNVB is unable to appoint a replacement for the duels with Poland and Italy, assistant Dwight Lodeweges will presumably do the honors.
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