Frank de Boer rules out a return to coaching

By Martin Graham

The Premier League has already seen a number of managerial changes this season, particularly at Nottingham Forest, but one familiar name has made it clear that his time on the touchline is likely over. Frank de Boer, remembered for a historically poor spell in England’s top flight, has reflected on his brief and turbulent stint in management.

De Boer endured one of the shortest and least successful reigns in Premier League history while in charge of Crystal Palace in 2017. His tenure lasted just 77 days, ending on September 11 of that year after four consecutive league defeats without a single goal scored. That run made him the worst-performing manager statistically in the competition’s history. His only victory came in the EFL Cup against Ipswich Town.

At the time, his short-lived spell also set a record for the fewest games managed before dismissal—a mark later matched by Sam Allardyce during his brief stay at Leeds United in 2023.

Life after the dugout

Following his departure from Palace, De Boer went on to coach Atlanta United, the Netherlands national team, and Al Jazira in the UAE, with his most recent job ending two years ago. Since then, the 55-year-old Dutchman has stepped away from full-time coaching and appears content to remain out of it.

Speaking to Voetbal International, De Boer admitted that he doesn’t miss the intensity or criticism that come with being a manager. “Never say never, but I’m not exactly thrilled,” he said. “I don’t miss all that negativity at all.”

Now, his focus is elsewhere—spending more time with his family and enjoying a slower pace of life. “I’m a grandfather three times over, I do things for UEFA and on TV for Viaplay, I have my house in Spain. And I get to play a lot of padel,” he added. “I’m very happy with my life.”

From triumph at Ajax to tough lessons abroad

Before his ill-fated ventures at Inter Milan and Crystal Palace, De Boer was celebrated for his remarkable success at Ajax. During his five-and-a-half years in Amsterdam, he guided the club to four consecutive Eredivisie titles between 2011 and 2015.

However, his later experiences at Inter and Palace proved far less fruitful—lasting only 85 days in Italy before being dismissed, followed by his short-lived Premier League chapter. Now, after a coaching career marked by both highs and lows, De Boer seems ready to leave the touchline firmly in the past.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer