Dutchman Ronald Koeman, who has resigned as coach of Benfica to join PSV Eindhoven, admits he is delighted to return to his homeland.

“This is fantastic,” said Koeman after deciding to return home for family reasons just 11 months after joining Benfica.

“I feel flattered to succeed Guus Hiddink at PSV. It’s a club that gives me several beautiful memories. This is the next step in my coaching career and it will be a challenge.”

Koeman took Benfica to third place in Portugal’s top flight this season but they failed to secure an automatic Champions League spot.

Koeman has the difficult task of following Hiddink after his very successful four-year period in charge.

Hiddink joined PSV in 2002 for a second spell and won the Dutch title in 2003, 2005 and 2006, while last season was one of the most successful in the club’s history. He also led the club to the last four of the Champions League last season.

PSV clinched the double and only lost the Champions League semi-final to AC Milan on the away goals rule.

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