Skip to content

Southampton boost over Ronald Koeman as Danny Blind backed to stay on as Netherlands manager

Netherlands' head coah Danny Blind
Image: Danny Blind: Confirmed to stay in charge of Netherlands after the Euro 2016 qualification campaign

Dutch officials have backed Danny Blind to stay on as Netherlands manager amid speculation they could turn to Southampton's Ronald Koeman after a miserable Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

The Netherlands are on the verge of missing a European Championships for the first time since 1984 and, as well as beating the Czech Republic on Tuesday night, must hope Turkey lose to Iceland. 

Koeman, who won 78 Dutch caps between 1982 and 1994, has been linked with the job in the British press but Dutch FA executive director, Bert Van Oostveen, insists Blind's position will not come under immediate scrutiny.

Ronald Koeman named his strongest possible side to face Swansea on Saturday afternoon.
Image: Ronald Koeman: No longer linked to Netherlands job after Blind is confirmed to stay

"We are not going to do anything crazy," Van Oostveen told Metro in the Netherlands.

"After the match against the Czech Republic Danny will also be on the bench, whether it's during a play-off duel or during an exhibition game, it does not matter.

"He has a contract until the 2018 and sometime in 2016 we have an evaluation.

"We find that Danny is doing well and he can count on support from the KNVB (Dutch FA) and he should also receive the Dutch people."

Also See:

The Dutch FA look to be maintaining their stance one month after an official told Sky Sports News HQ that Danny Blind would not released from his duties.

Live Euro 2016 Qualifiers

"Danny Blind is not facing the sack," the official said.

"He's only been our manager for two games. Despite losing both, we could still qualify for the European Championship finals. 

"Blind signed a contract keeping him with us until the World Cup in 2018. Within that contract there is an agreement for him to meet the board of directors after the European qualification period."

Koeman, who took charge of Southampton in summer 2014 after leaving Feyenoord, recently played down links to the job - for now, at least.

"Everyone knows it's part of my ambition but in the future. Not for now. Not for next year," he said.

Watch Netherlands v Czech Republic live on Sky Sports 5 from 7.40pm on Tuesday.

Around Sky