According to Dutch media outlet Voetbalzone, Koeman faced significant criticism following the FIFA World Cup, but his agent Rob Jansen has now revealed what troubled the Dutch coach most.

Agent Rob Jansen believes it is an oversimplification to blame Koeman solely for the poor performance of the Dutch team at the FIFA World Cup. De Oranje were ultimately eliminated after losing to Morocco on penalties in the Round of 16.

In the match against Morocco, Koeman employed a different tactical approach. Previously, the Dutch team had consistently used a 4-3-3 formation during the group stage, but against the Atlas Lions, they switched to a 5-3-2.

Following the elimination, Koeman's decision to change the formation drew heavy criticism from outside, and he eventually decided to step down as coach of the national team. Koeman's agent, Jansen, defended the 63-year-old coach in an interview with Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

Jansen said: "It's too easy to blame Ronald alone. This is a collective disappointment, involving the players, the entire coaching staff, and the technical management."

According to Jansen, Koeman genuinely believed he could lead the Dutch team to World Cup victory in the United States. "I have no doubt about that. It's just that sometimes he gets a bit weary with you all – with the media, with the cynicism, with the negativity. Perhaps from that perspective, he was somewhat tired. But honestly, how can you blame him for that?"

Regarding the questioned formation change, Koeman previously explained: "We chose to play like this because in the first three matches we gave the opposition too many opportunities. You could ignore this and continue on the old path, but I believe that in moments like these, a coach has a responsibility to make changes. This wasn't a temporary fix, and I really valued this formation."

However, De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij revealed on the De Telegraaf "Kick-off" podcast in late August that the five-defender plan was not Koeman's own idea. "Let me explain: Koeman made the final decision, but Virgil van Dijk and Ruud van Nistelrooy both suggested using a five-man defense against Morocco."

Surprisingly, Xavi Hernández will replace Koeman as coach of the Dutch national team. The Spanish coach will make his debut with the Netherlands on September 24 in a Nations League match against Germany, followed by a match against Serbia on September 27.

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