Zlatan Ibrahimović was upset with the way Ronald Koeman changed tactics in their Round of 32 match vs. Morocco: pic.twitter.com/FdBcVog5bO
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 30, 2026
NEWS
Ibrahimovic: "Koeman is to blame for the defeat"
After the early exit of the Dutch national team, Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic quickly found the culprit.
The Netherlands' journey in the 2026 World Cup ended early in the round of 16. The "Oranje" were eliminated in a penalty shootout against Morocco after taking the lead.
Ronald Koeman switched from the typical 4-3-3 formation for the Netherlands to a 3-4-3 before the match against Morocco. This drew criticism from the Swedish superstar.
Ibrahimovic told US TV channel "FOX": "I think Koeman is to blame for the defeat. I no longer recognize the Dutch team."
The classic style of the "Oranje" has been abandoned – and now comes the exit in the round of 16. "He lost with an identity that is not Dutch, and that makes me angry. Lose with your identity, because that reflects who you are!"
