The Dutch women’s volleyball team has parted company with its coach, Marco Klok, on the eve of the world championships in Mexico.

The national volleyball association Nevobo said a “difference in vision in the short and long term” had prompted its decision.

The timing is striking as the world championships got under way in Tlaxcala last weekend. The Dutch pairing of Katja Stam and Raïsa Schoon won their first two matches against Puerto Rico and Canada, but lost on Monday to Switzerland.

Klok, 55, will be replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Frank van den Outenaar while Nevobo looks for a permanent successor.

“We deeply regret that we cannot continue our collaboration with Marko because a difference in vision for the elite beach volleyball programme,” technical director Michel Everaert said.

“We will consult with Marko to see if he can continue with his duties for the association in a different capacity.”

NOS reported that Klok was surprised by the decision but made no statement in response.

Klok, a member of the men’s indoor volleyball team that won silver at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, was appointed to his current position in 2021.

Under his tutelage the Dutch pair of Katja Stam and Raïsa Schoon rose to the top of the world rankings last year, but recent results have been disappointing and they currently stand seventh.