Hiddink leaves Netherlands post
Netherlands are searching for a new head coach following the end of Guus Hiddink's second spell in charge of the national team.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gJ8ozHaa9rnm3H9pZkqUdS.jpg)
Guus Hiddink has stepped down as Netherlands coach, ending his second spell in charge of the national team.
The 68-year-old took over from Louis van Gaal after Netherlands secured third place at last year's World Cup, but they have endured a disappointing qualification campaign for UEFA Euro 2016 - a tournament for which the former South Korea, Australia and Russia coach was contracted to lead his homeland.
Netherlands currently lie third in Group A following defeats to the Czech Republic and Iceland and face the prospect of needing a play-off to reach next year 's finals in France.
Results and performances have led to mounting pressure on Hiddink and he is set to be replaced by assistant Danny Blind after the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed that the outgoing coach's backroom staff remained under contract.
In a statement released on the KNVB website, the federation's director of football Bert van Oostveen said: "I regret this development. Unfortunately, the results of the work of Guus were not visible right away for everyone. We thank Guus for his efforts."
Hiddink, who initially coached Netherlands between 1995 and 1998, added: "I am sorry that it went this way.
"I thought it was an honour to again coach of the Dutch national team and I wish my successor, the staff and the team every success on the way to the European Championships in France."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Netherland's next Euro 2016 qualifier is at home to Iceland on September 3, three days before they travel to Turkey.
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack