Koeman named Netherlands coach

Amsterdam Feb 7 (IANS) 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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