Danny Blind was named on Wednesday as new Netherlands coach, taking over from Guus Hiddink, who left the post with the team struggling to qualify for Euro 2016.
“Danny Blind has been appointed as new coach of the Dutch 11, starting from Aug. 1,” the Royal Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) said in a statement.
Former Netherlands international Blind, 53, is to be contracted until August 2018, with an evaluation planned after the 2015-2016 season, the KNVB said from its headquarters in central Netherlands.
“We’re happy we could quickly find a home-grown successor following Guus Hiddink’s departure,” KNVB boss Bert van Oostveen said in the statement.
Hiddink stepped down on Monday following a string of disappointing performances in the Oranje’s qualifying campaign for next year’s European Championship in France.
With four matches remaining, the Netherlands — who finished third at last year’s FIFA World Cup under Louis van Gaal — are third in qualifying Group A with 10 points, three points behind the Czech Republic and five adrift of surprise leaders Iceland.
Blind was the Oranje’s assistant coach, and is Manchester United and Netherlands player Daley Blind’s father.
“I’m committed to working hard with staff and players to qualify for next year’s European Championship,” Blind said in the same statement.
“I’m neither looking back nor further ahead than next year’s Euro 2016. Qualifying is my only aim,” he said.
Blind is to reveal his plans in greater detail in news conferences planned ahead of a home match against Iceland on Sept. 3 and away against Turkey on Sept. 6, the KNVB said.
Only the top two and the best third-placed side from the nine groups qualify automatically for Euro 2016, with the remaining third-placed finishers going into playoffs.
Hiddink, 68, has overseen four wins and five defeats in 10 games since returning for a second spell as Netherlands coach last summer.
Blind, who enjoyed a highly successful playing career, winning all three European club trophies, including the 1995 UEFA Champions League, was originally due to take over from Hiddink next year after Euro 2016.
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