Ronald Koeman proposes a tactical revolution to strengthen the Netherlands team

“This must change!” Ronald Koeman, successor to Louis Van Gaal as coach of the Netherlands since January 1, explained this Monday at a press conference that he will work “in a very different way” from his predecessor on a tactical level.

“The idea is to return to the old system with four defenders and not five (as in the World Cup in Qatar),” explained the 59-year-old coach, who will work with his “own ideas and experiences” in a relationship with the national team that will It will take until the 2026 World Cup, which will be organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

‘I couldn’t sleep in two days’: Virgil van Dijk’s drama after missing the penalty against Argentina in Qatar 2022

Koeman considered that it had not been “necessary” to have a conversation with Van Gaal at the time of taking over.

“He remained undefeated during the 20 games he was in charge. It would be great if I could do it, although I want to do it differently”, explained the former central defender. “During the World Cup there were times when I said ‘this has to change!’”, he underlined.

PSV transfers Cody Gakpo to Liverpool in exchange for 53 million dollars

During his tenure, which ended with the elimination in the quarterfinals of the World Cup on penalties against Argentina, Van Gaal did not lose any game during playing time.

The challenge will be great for Koeman, who is beginning his second spell at the helm of the national team -the first between 2018 and 2020-, with the aim of winning a title. “The League of Nations – the Netherlands is classified for the Final Four – or a great tournament,” he said, referring to Euro 2024 or the 2026 World Cup.

The Netherlands will play against France, world runner-up, on March 24 in Paris in qualifying for the Eurocup.

“Of course I especially looked at France during the World Cup. With the conviction that it will have to be faced with a defense of four, ”she insisted. (D)