da realsbet： Ronald Koeman did not mince his words while slamming Netherlands' players after an 'appalling' performance against Austria.
da 888： Article continues below
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Koeman blasts Dutch playersNetherlands went down 3-2 against AustriaCould face England in round of 16Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
European giants the Netherlands suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of Austria on Tuesday as they finished third in their group. While the Dutch have still made it to the knockouts, their journey now gets more difficult after the poor show in the group stage.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Manager Koeman was left furious after the disastrous result as he blasted the players and termed their performance against Austria as "appalling". He also fielded questions regarding his future as Netherlands boss, although, the former Barcelona coach refused to give a firm answer.
WHAT RONALD KOEMAN SAID
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Koeman said: "I can list quite a few mistakes. We started very badly. We did not defend well. We were not aggressive, there was a lack of pressure and we lost the ball as well, particularly at the start so it was really very bad.
"The players ran a lot, but not in the positions so it was awful, very bad. We did not control the match. The match against France was reasonable as a team, but today it was appalling."
The 61-year-old, who has a contract valid until the 2026 World Cup, added on the speculation over his position: "It is not a question that should be addressed now because I don't like to speak about these kinds of questions: what happens if.
"If it happens I will try to have a response. I am responsible for this match, but we are still in the next stage and have to play much better. It is possible with this squad. They have the qualities. If we fail, you can ask me this question [about my future] again."
Getty WHAT NEXT FOR NETHERLANDS?
Koeman's side could face Gareth Southgate's Three Lions in the round of 16 stage of Euro 2024 on Sunday at Gelsenkirchen, and will need to up their game considerably to make it through to the last eight.