Journalist accuses Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman of 'hiding' as he misses press conference ahead of Euro 2024 knockouts
Journalist Valentijn Driessen of Dutch outlet De Telegraaf has hit out at Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman. The national team head coach failed to show up for a press conference on Friday ahead of their Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash against Romania.
Instead, defenders Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake were available alongside press officer Bas Ticheler. In a conversation with Ticheler, Driessen took aim at the former Barcelona coach, suggesting he was hiding from the media after the side's unsatisfactory performances.
The conversation went (via SportBible):
Driessen: "What is the consideration of not sitting here with Ronald Koeman?
"Will he now be in hiding for six days while he is the leader of the troops. It seems [that way] to me."
Ticheler: "There will be another press conference with the national coach."
Driessen: "That is in six days' time, but quite a bit has happened, of course. So what is the trade-off in this?"
Ticheler: "Well, it is not up to me now to answer these kinds of questions. I would say choose to ask the players questions and I would like to exchange ideas about these kinds of things with everyone at another time. But I don't think it is entirely appropriate to do that now and here."
Driessen: "Well, I think it is. This is a press conference and Ronald Koeman is not here."
Netherlands fans have been left disappointed with the side's outings despite securing qualification to the knockout stages. After a 2-1 win over Poland to start their Euro 2024 campaign, they played out a goalless draw against France.
With the opportunity to top the group with a win against Austria, they stumbled, losing 3-2 to Ralf Rangnick's side in a result that dropped them to third in the group.
Netherlands' Euro 2024 knockout path revealed as they prepare to face Romania
Netherlands have been drawn into the relatively easier side of the Euro 2024 knockout bracket. They are set to face off against the winners of Group E, Romania in the Round of 16.
Ronald Koeman's side advanced after finishing as one of the four best-third placed teams in the competition. They finished with four points, with a win over Poland, drawing against France and losing to Austria in their last game.
Should they advance past Romania, the Netherlands will face the winner of the Austria vs Turkey clash in the last eight. Progressing from that round will book themselves a date in the semis against Switzerland, Italy, Slovakia or England.