Netherland boss Koeman speaks out on imminent Barcelona move
Ronald Koeman accepts his imminent move to Barcelona has come at an awkward time for the Netherlands.
The former Barca defender is expected to be confirmed as head coach on Tuesday, a day after Quique Setien was sacked in the wake of the humiliating 8-2 Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.
Koeman turned down the job after Ernesto Valverde was dismissed in January as he was committed to taking Oranje through the Euro 2020 finals.
However, that tournament has been pushed back to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and Koeman’s personal circumstances have also shifted, the 57-year-old having had heart surgery in May after suffering chest pains.
The former Everton boss has therefore decided to accept the chance to return to Camp Nou, although he is sorry to have caused any problems for the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
“I can’t say anything until it’s been signed. It could well be done today,” he told Fox Sports on Tuesday.
“I didn’t expect it to go so quickly. It’s always awkward in terms of timing.
“It’s a lot to take in, but Barcelona are the only club for whom I had a release clause in my contract.
