Koeman replaces Verbeek as Oman head coach

Dutch coach Erwin Koeman has been named as the new manager of Oman’s national football team, the Oman Football Association (OFA) announced on Thursday (AEDT).

Source: Anadolu

Verbeek stood down from the role for personal reasons after leading Oman to the knockout rounds of the Asian Cup for the first time last month. He also led them to victory in the Gulf Cup in early 2018.

Koeman previously worked as head coach of the Hungary national team and served as an assistant coach under his brother, Ronald, during his time with English Premier League clubs Southampton and Everton.

Local media reported that the 57-year-old had been handed a two-year contract and was tasked with leading Oman to the World Cup finals for the first time in 2022.

he 57-year old Koeman was last interim manager of Turkish club Fenerbahce. His younger brother Ronald is the manager of the Dutch national team. 

“The board agreed to appoint Koeman as the coach of the national team on a two-year contract,” said Othman Al Balushi, the chief executive of the OFA.

The Dutchman’s managerial career started as the U21 manager of Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. He later became the coach of Hungary’s national team between April 2008 and July 2010.

He then worked as an assistant to his brother at Southampton and Everton before headed to Turkey.