Guus Hiddink has stated that he is "sorry" for the way that his time in charge of the Netherlands turned out.

The 68-year-old has stepped down following a poor start to Euro 2016 qualifying, less than a year after succeeding Louis van Gaal.

After finishing third at the 2014 World Cup, Hiddink's side have since won just four times in 10 games and are five points behind Group A leaders Iceland, and three adrift of the Czech Republic in second, which could leave them needing a playoff to qualify for next summer's tournament.

"I am sorry it went this way," Hiddink said on the KNVB's official website.

"I thought it was an honour to again coach the Dutch national team and I wish my successor, the staff and the players every success on the way to the European Championships in France."

Hiddink guided the Netherlands to the 1998 World Cup semi-finals during his first spell in charge.