Ronald Koeman will not leave the Netherlands job even if Barcelona sack Ernesto Valverde and come calling

RONALD KOEMAN says he will not turn his back on the Netherlands – even if the enticing Barcelona come calling.

The Dutch national team boss, 56, is preparing to take his side into the Nations League finals this week.

And he has no intention of leaving his post as he continues the rebuilding project in his homeland.

Koeman said in a press conference: "That might be easy, but I won't."

That is despite the fact that Barca may well sack Ernesto Valverde this summer – although reports this weekend suggest he will be kept on at the Nou Camp.

The Spaniard, 55, won the La Liga title this season but saw his side crash out of the Champions League in spectacular fashion.

After winning the first-leg of their semi-final with Liverpool 3-0, Barcelona capitulated at Anfield to lose 4-0 as the wait to reign in Europe goes on.

And to make matters worse, Barca were beaten 2-1 by Valencia in the Copa del Rey meaning they have to settle for the solitary piece of silverware.

GOT IT RON

That has led to some suggestions that they may axe Valverde and try and lure Koeman into the dugout.

The Dutchman joined Barcelona as a player in 1989 to reunite with former Ajax boss Johan Cruyff.

He spent six years at the club, winning four league titles and the European Cup in 1992 thanks to his extra-time free-kick at Wembley.

Koeman returned to Barcelona in 1998 as an assistant to compatriot Louis van Gaal before launching his own managerial career.

After spells across Europe, including suddenly leaving PSV for Valencia in 2007 and then more recently with English sides Southampton and Everton, Koeman took the national team job in 2018.

The Netherlands failed to qualify for Euro 2016 or the World Cup in 2018 and Koeman was brought in to start the recovery, with a contract until 2022.

He did that by topping their Nations League group with Germany and France to qualify for this week's finals.

The Oranje face England on Thursday and victory would set up a final with either Portugal or Switzerland.

And Koeman has hit heart set on returning his country to where they belong – not just in major tournaments but challenging to win major them, starting with Euro 2020.


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