Dutch coach Danny Blind and the Dutch football association KNVB have said they are very surprised by Dick Advocaat’s decision to step down as assistant coach after just three friendlies.

Advocaat, 68, was taken on to replace Ruud van Nistelrooij in mid May but is now in talks with Fenerbahçe to take over the helm at the Turkish club.

‘When I approached Dick… he gave me the impression that he was after a long-term role,’ Blind is quoted as saying by website Nu.nl. Oranje have a friendly against Greece on September 1 and then begin their campaign to qualify for the next World Cup.

Advocaat told website VI.nl that his contract contained an early get-out clause and that everyone was aware of the fact.