Ronald Koeman has ruled out leaving Saints to take over the Dutch national team – even if the job is offered to him.
The 51-year-old was this week linked with the position after Holland’s poor start to the Euro 2016 qualifiers continued under Guus Hiddink.
The Netherlands were humiliated 2-0 in Iceland on Monday, and are six points off the top of their group, leading Dutch legend Ronald de Boer to state his belief that Koeman should have succeeded Louis van Gaal following this year’s World Cup.
Koeman confirmed he had been interested in the job, before Saints approached him, but that he would not walk out on his three-year St Mary’s contract, even if Hiddink is sacked and he is approached.
“I was interested in that job, because when I left Feyenoord I was nominated to be the national coach, but the federation chose for Hiddink on that moment,” he said.
“But not now, now I am the coach and the manager of Southampton and they have to wait if they like me as the coach.”
Asked if that meant he was definitely staying for the rest of this season, Koeman said: “Yes. I hope for the whole contract. It’s football, but I don’t move. There is no chance to move now out of Southampton.”
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