Ronald Koeman rules himself out contention to become next Holland manager and insists Everton are his 'long term priority'
- Holland boss Dick Advocaat expected to step down after qualifying failure
- Ronald Koeman admitted he was not surprised to be linked with position
- But Everton boss insists his future is with Toffees and has long-term project
- He said: 'I am Everton manager, that's the most important and nothing else'
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has ruled himself out of contention to take over as Holland national team boss.
The Dutch failed to reach their second successive major tournament after finishing third in their World Cup qualifying group.
Holland coach Dick Advocaat replaced Danny Blind during the campaign but he is widely expected to step down.
Ronald Koeman said he is not surprised to be linked with the position of Holland manager
Koeman has been tipped to be one of the main candidates but when asked if he fancied the job the 54-year-old was emphatic.
'No,' he said. 'I am not surprised they put my name is in because they did the same some years ago. I am not surprised. But I am Everton manager. That's the most important and nothing else.
'It's not realistic now because we have other business to do with Everton.
'We need to win, and we need to change our situation in the table. That starts this Sunday. That's the priority for me for the long term.'
Koeman hinted that the Dutch job would prove a tough.
'We lost quality in the competition in Holland. We lost quality. We don't have the top European players anymore,' added the 54-year-old.
Dick Advocaat is widely expected to step down as the Dutch failed to qualify for Russia 2018
'Arjen Robben was maybe the last and he has stopped for the national team. Yes we have some really talented players but the whole competition in Holland, the young players go too fast abroad.
'We need to change. We had a great time, with big players and we dropped quality. Countries like Belgium and of course Germany and they change around it. We need to react but we will come back because we bring always good football players.'
Koeman also revealed that midfielder James McCarthy is closer to being available for selection but will not be risked against Brighton on Sunday.
James McCarthy is not far away from a return to action and is back in full training
The 26-year-old was called up by Republic of Ireland but did not feature in the World Cup qualifiers against either Moldova or Wales.
'McCarthy is full training but it's too short to bring him back,' added the Dutchman.
'He will do some training. He will get game time with the U23s.
'We like to bring him back. He's a good boy and an important player but we don' t take a risk. Let's hope he will be totally fit.'
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