With Ronald Koeman ready to step down as the Netherlands boss to take over Barcelona, rumors surfaced that former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is interested in taking over the Dutch national team. But according to Wenger himself, there is no truth in those reports.
Speaking with De Telegraaf on Wednesday, Wenger denied he has any talks about the Netherlands’ job or that he offered his services to the Dutch federation as it was earlier reported.
“That is a lie. I have not offered my services to anyone,” said Wenger. “I am the only one who talks about my own future.”
Wenger has been out of a job since leaving Arsenal in 2018 and now works as chief of global football development for FIFA. The 70-year-old manager was linked with several high-profile job openings in the past but hadn’t been actively pursuing a return to management.
The Netherlands’ national team has a talented squad, highlighted by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, and Lyon’s Memphis Depay, which has been poised for great future on the international scene. Under Koeman, Dutch side qualified for the Euro 2021 with six wins and only one defeat in their group. They also finished as runners-up in the inaugural UEFA Nations League competition.
