Frank de Boer has stepped down as Netherlands boss after crashing out of Euro 2020 at the hands of Czech Republic.
The former Inter Milan and Crystal Palace boss replaced Ronald Koeman last summer after his appointment at Barcelona but was surprisingly knocked out of this summer’s major tournament in the round of 16.
De Boer’s Netherlands deal would have been automatically renewed had he secured a quarter-final berth, but the 51-year-old told the Dutch FA (KNVB) he was unwilling to continue, admitting his “goal has not been achieved”.
“In anticipation of the evaluation, I have decided not to continue as national coach,” De Boer said via a KNVB statement. “The goal 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 important matches for Dutch football on their 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 on campus.”
De Boer was appointed Netherlands boss in September last year but failed to win any of his first four matches in charge, becoming the first permanent Dutch boss to do so.
