The Dutch coach is back at Mestalla as Netherlands manager

Dutchman Ronald Koeman will return to the Mestalla bench this Sunday for the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, this time as head coach of the Netherlands, 17 years after he was dismissed as manager of Valencia in 2008.

A return with history

Koeman, who coached Barcelona during the 2020-21 season and part of 2021-22, was unable to lead the team from the sidelines on his last visit to Mestalla on May 2, 2021, due to a prior suspension. However, he was present in the stadium. 

A controversial stint in Valencia

His tenure at Valencia was filled with turmoil and ups and downs. He took over in October 2007, replacing Quique Sánchez Flores, with the team occupying European spots. Despite winning a title, the team was dangerously close to relegation to the second division. He was ultimately replaced by Voro, who managed to keep the team up.

Decisions that shaped his exit

Koeman was brought in as a major bet by the club’s management after winning the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, even though he was still under contract. Upon arrival, he controversially sidelined key players like Santiago Cañizares, David Albelda, and Miguel Ángel Angulo. These moves, along with tactical shifts, created internal conflict that led to a negative run of form and his dismissal in April 2008.

A Copa del Rey no one celebrated

Ironically, he was fired shortly after lifting the Copa del Rey, which was Valencia’s second-to-last major trophy until Marcelino García Toral guided the team to another in 2019. The 2008 title went uncelebrated due to the club’s ongoing battle for survival in the league.

Back on a familiar bench

Following his stint with Valencia, Koeman managed AZ Alkmaar, Feyenoord, Southampton, Everton, the Dutch national team, and Barcelona, before returning to the Netherlands post.

This Sunday, he’ll be back on familiar ground to guide the Netherlands in the decisive second leg of the Nations League quarterfinals against Spain, after a dramatic 2-2 draw in Rotterdam, sealed by Mikel Merino’s 93rd-minute equalizer.

Press conference with a Valencian connection

Before the game, Koeman will speak at a press conference on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (local time), joined by Justin Kluivert, who also has ties to Valencia, having played there on loan from Roma during the 2022-23 season—a year in which the team battled relegation until the very last matchday.