Frank de Boer named new Netherlands coach

Dutchman replaces compatriot and new Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman

Frank de Boer has managed Ajax, Inter Milan and Crystal Palace among other clubs (Getty Images)

Frank de Boer, who won 112 caps and played at two World Cups for the Netherlands, has been appointed his country’s national team coach, the Dutch football association said on Wednesday.

The 50-year-old replaces Ronald Koeman, who left last month to take over as Barcelona coach.

De Boer, who has signed a two-year contract up to the 2022 World Cup, represented Barcelona in his playing career and won a record-breaking four successive Dutch league titles as coach of Ajax between 2011 and 2014.

But three subsequent jobs outside the Netherlands proved disappointing. He was fired by Inter Milan after 85 days in charge in 2016 and the next year lasted 10 weeks at Crystal Palace.

His last position was at Atlanta United in Major League Soccer where he led the club to cup success before leaving in July after 18 months in charge.

De Boer will be thrust quickly into his new job with a friendly against Mexico and two Nations League games early next month. 

The Netherlands host the Mexicans in Amsterdam on 7 October before travelling to Bosnia on 11 October and Italy on 14 October.

Reuters