Feyenoord’s Underperformance Prompts Organizational Changes

Feyenoord has had a disappointing first half of the season, and this is likely to have consequences. What changes can we expect at De Kuip?

‘Numerous dismissals at Feyenoord, but Robin van Persie remains safe.’

Firstly, the club’s recruitment policies are under scrutiny, and there is already a victim as reported by Algemeen Dagblad: “The initial cautious evaluation at De Kuip seems to have cost technical manager Mark Ruijl (40) his position. Sources indicate that, despite having two years remaining on his contract, he will soon no longer be involved in the immediate future of the first team.”

Injuries have also plagued the team, as Feyenoord has faced numerous injuries during the first half of the season. “The club is closely examining not only the results from the scouting department but also the performance department’s effectiveness. This department is led by Belgian Stijn Vandenbroucke, who was previously regarded as a crucial factor in the team’s success during Arne Slot’s tenure. It remains unclear whether individuals from this branch of the organization will face dismissals. Rick Rietveld, Head of Performance at De Kuip, has been in charge since the summer. In 2024, he was part of the medical staff of the Dutch national team during the European Championship in Germany, an opportunity he received through the KNVB at the recommendation of Sipke Hulshoff, who previously combined his role as assistant coach under Slot with a position under national coach Ronald Koeman.”