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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a scathing attack on Ronald Koeman after the Netherlands’ shocking World Cup exit against Morocco, blaming his former Ajax coach for abandoning the nation’s trademark style. The veteran striker claimed Koeman’s overly defensive approach completely stripped the Dutch side of the attacking identity that has long defined their football.

Tactical gamble turns into disaster

The Oranje were eliminated in the round of 32 after squandering a late lead against a spirited Moroccan team. In a surprising tactical shift, Koeman ditched his traditional setup to field a conservative five-man defence for the first time in 32 matches. Cody Gakpo’s second-half strike seemed to secure qualification, but a stoppage-time equaliser from Morocco forced extra time. The Netherlands eventually fell 3-2 in a penalty shootout, sealing their early departure from the tournament in Monterrey.

Ibrahimovic slams defensive approach

Appearing as a pundit on FOX Sports, Ibrahimovic did not hold back his disapproval of the Netherlands’ performance under Koeman, describing the team as unrecognisable.

“This defeat is Koeman’s fault because I didn’t recognise this Dutch team. He lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity. That makes me angry,” Ibrahimovic said.

“I was always taught: attack, attack, attack. This is not the Dutch identity. Today, Koeman looked like an Italian coach, playing not to lose, whereas the Netherlands always play to win. If you lose, at least lose with your own identity and don’t change it.”

He added, “This wasn’t the Netherlands I’m used to seeing. You could tell from their play that they were uncomfortable. The possession game was gone, the attacking football was gone—it just looked really poor, and that’s on Koeman. I didn’t like it at all, absolutely not.”

‘Clearly had a different vision’

Ibrahimovic was not the only one to criticise Koeman’s tactics. Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry also expressed disbelief at the Dutch coach’s defensive decisions.

Henry remarked on Koeman’s choices: “You take off a midfielder to bring on a defender… by doing that, you’re basically saying you’re afraid of Morocco. Sure, you can do that—if you win, you’re right; if you lose, you’re wrong. I was really surprised because that’s not how the Netherlands usually play. But Koeman clearly had a different vision.”

Uncertainty looms over the Dutch camp

The Netherlands’ historically poor penalty shootout performance in Monterrey has left the team facing serious introspection. Internal reviews are reportedly underway as discussions intensify about the loss of the side’s footballing identity. With mounting pressure from fans and pundits alike, Koeman is said to be considering his future as head coach.