Driessen pushes Dalić as Koeman-opvolger, citing his WK-finale

Valentijn Driessen said on the Kick‑off podcast of De that Zlatko Dalić should become the Koeman‑opvolger of the Nederlands elftal, noting that Dalić Heeft een WK‑finale gehaald and also reached a Nations League‑final. He highlighted the Croatian coach’s experience with top players such as Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic.

Dalić stepped down after almost nine years as the head coach of Kroatië, ending a tenure that included the 2018 WK‑final and a League‑finale. Driessen praised his work with Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, describing it as collaboration with some of the world’s best.

The WK‑final ended 4‑2 in favour of France, but the performance left a strong impression on Driessen. He called Dalić a calm man who could be a viable candidate for the Dutch job.

Following a disappointing WK campaign with Oranje, Ronald Koeman resigned as the Nederlands coach. Driessen sees Dalić as a natural successor to fill the vacancy.

Earlier speculation suggested the KNVB might pair Reiziger with Jong Oranje as a coaching duo, but Mike Verweij says that plan is no longer certain. Verweij added that Reiziger still wishes the role and may still have to fight public opinion.

With the coaching vacancy still open, Driessen believes the KNVB will need to decide soon, and Dalić’s name is now firmly in the conversation. The decision could shape the Netherlands’ approach to upcoming international competitions.