‘I know they are great coaches’ – Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert backs sacked duo Frank de Boer and Ronald Koeman

Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert has given his backing to compatriots Frank de Boer and Ronald Koeman after the pair were both fired from their jobs following horrendous starts to the season.

De Boer lasted just four Premier League games at Crystal Palace, before seeing the exit door, and on Monday Ronald Koeman was sacked at Everton after a terrible run of performances left them in the relegation zone.

However, speaking to talkSPORT’s Jim White at The Best FIFA Awards the former Ajax, Barcelona and Newcastle striker insisted he knew from personal experience that both men were talented coaches.

“Of course I am disappointed for both of them because I know them very good,” said Kluivert.

“I know them as a player and I know them as a coach.

“It’s a pity because I know that both coaches are great coaches.

“Of course the results didn’t work out in their favour and that’s where it all counts.

“The results are counting, and the manager is responsible for that, and that’s a pity because if a new coach is coming to a club they need some time to change.

“The players need to adapt to the way they’re working but still it’s a pity because Frank de Boer was not long at Crystal Palace.

“And Ronald, of course, a lot longer but still people don’t need to have doubts in the way they are coaching or managing because I know they are great coaches.”

Despite plenty of criticism being directed at both De Boer and Koeman for their part in some lacklustre starts, Kluivert has sympathy with the pair.

While he accepts results are the main thing, the 41-year-old also explained the players had their own parts to play.

“It’s a big defeat but he’s a coach - he talks a lot with the players - but in the end it’s the players that need to perform on the pitch,” he added.

“The coach is trying to do his best but the players have to perform.

“It’s not nice, especially for Frank. When he was at Inter Milan he didn’t have a long time as well.

“It’s worse for Frank than for Ronald because Ronald has spent a longer time in the game but still for both it is not a good situation.”