Feyenoord - Rising from the Ashes

Ronald Koeman has been surprisingly sacked as the manager of Feyenoord, despite leading Feyenoord to a top 3 finish in the Eredivisie last season.

Koeman, 50, joined Feyenoord in July 2011, building a young side and leading them to second in his first season, qualifying for the Champions League before finishing third this season, gaining European football for the second season in succession, but this time in the Europa League.

Koeman had just signed a new contract in March, but according to reliable sources inside the club, a bust up between Koeman and chairman Dick van Well over the transfer budget for this season was the main cause for the sacking. Koeman was unhappy over van Well’s refusal to release more transfer funds, and was ready to tender his resignation, but van Well acted first and relieved Koeman of his duties.

After a few years of relative stability, following financial problems in previous years, Feyenoord may have been plunged into another crisis. Former manager Bert van Marwijk is the favourite to return to the De Kuip hot seat, with Dick Advocaat and Marco van Basten also rumoured to be in the mix for the role.

Feyenoord have shocked their fans with the appointment of Michael Reiziger as their new manager.

Reiziger, 40, enjoyed an illustrious career, winning the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and winning a domestic double with Barcelona in 1998, before ending his career with spells at Middlesbrough and PSV Eindhoven, becoming one of the world’s best defenders and earning 72 caps for the Netherlands in the process.

Feyenoord chairman Dick van Well stated, “Michael really impressed me with his vision for the club, and he is the perfect candidate to lead this club to bigger and better things. When you meet Michael, you can’t help but be inspired by his knowledge, passion and desire for the game and he will have the full support of everyone here at Feyenoord.”

Feyenoord fans have greeted this appointment with outrage and disbelief, with Reiziger’s connections to Ajax the main reason. Randy Elsinga, spokesperson for Feyenoord Supportersvereniging, the official supporters club, criticized the decision to appoint Reiziger. “He is inexperienced, and most of all, he is an Ajax man. Most of our supporters are furious and some are even threatening to boycott matches!”

Reiziger is scheduled to be officially unveiled at the open day which Feyenoord holds every year at the De Kuip on July 20, but a press conference will be held in the coming days to welcome him at the club.

Reiziger walked into Varkenoord, the Feyenoord training complex, not knowing what to expect. He could either be walking into a team meeting with players in complete revolt, or a team completely united behind their new manager.

As he arrived at the meeting room, just before he was about to enter, a familiar face stopped him. It was his former Dutch international teammate and now assistant manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, who had gathered all the first team players for the introductory meeting.

“Look, just before you get in there, I need to tell you something. I’m personally delighted that you’ve been appointed manager, but you’re going to have to convince the players and the fans that you are really the right man for the job. Good luck in there.”

Reiziger confidently strutted into the room, to see a room full of players looking excited and ready for pre-season, but also noticing a few players looking unhappy in the process.

“Hello everyone and welcome back to Varkenoord. Many of you may know me, but let me formally introduce myself. My name is Michael Reiziger, and I am delighted to be the new Feyenoord manager. I may have played for Ajax, but I am one hundred percent committed to the job. Does anyone have any problems with me? If so, speak out now.”

Suddenly a voice bellowed from the back. “F*** OFF BACK TO AMSTERDAM YOU BUFFOON!” – It was Guyon Fernandez, the striker. “YEAH! YOU SHOULDN’T BE HERE! YOU DON’T HAVE THE EXPERIENCE AND MOST OF ALL, YOU’RE AN AJAX MAN!” Another voice sounded next to him. It was Sekou Cisse, the Ivorian.

“Okay, anyone else? No? Well, since you two sounded your views, BOTH OF YOU CAN GET THE BLOODY F*** OUT OF THIS ROOM! YOU TWO ARE ON THE TRANSFER LIST, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! AND YOU’LL BE PLAYING IN THE RESERVES UNTIL YOU ARE SOLD!” Reiziger’s anger was barely disguised. He was making a statement and stamping his authority.

“This meeting is over. Get into the dressing room and get changed. Training starts in 10 minutes.” And with that, the players streamed out of the room. But one player stopped at the door and wanted a chat. It was Stefan de Vrij, the team captain.

“Nice job in there, gaffer. You showed some real authority. The team are behind you and we believe that you are the right man for the job. I am really looking forward to working with you.” As De Vrij walked into the changing room, Reiziger felt a sense of pride. He had won over the players and got rid of the troublemakers in the squad. Now he just had to win over the fans.

That was going to be tough.

New Feyenoord manager Michael Reiziger has vowed to win over the club’s fans despite massive protests over his appointment.

Feyenoord fans have been outraged at the hiring of Reiziger, but the 40 year-old is optimistic that the fans will eventually get behind their new manager.

“Although the criticisms are unjust, I do understand where the fans are coming from, and I will do my best to win over the fans with my passion and determination to bring the club to greater heights.”

“I may be inexperienced, and I may have played for Ajax, but I know I can do well here and bring Feyenoord back to the top.”

“All I ask from the fans is that they be patient, back the players and the results will come. If they don’t, I’ll resign, but I just want them to give me the opportunity to prove myself at this level.”

Having refused to answer further questions regarding his appointment, the focus turned to Reiziger’s expectations for the season ahead.

“My expectation for the season is that we will qualify for Champions League football. With talented players like Clasie, De Vrij and Boëtius, I am sure that we have the ability to secure European football. Whether we will challenge for the title is another story.”

Feyenoord have made their first signing of the summer, taking advantage of their links with SuperSport United to sign Kermit Erasmus.

The 23-year old South African striker becomes the first acquisition for new manager Michael Reiziger, returning to the Dutch club after spending two years honing his skills back in South Africa. Erasmus was hailed as one of South Africa’s finest prospects when he first moved to Feyenoord, before returning to United in 2010 following an unsettled two-year stint.

“I am really glad to be back at Feyenoord,” Erasmus said. “I feel that I have matured over the past two years and I now feel that I am truly ready to face the rigours of European football.”

“I am delighted to welcome Kermit back to the club. He is a promising talent and I believe that he does have the quality to succeed in European football. He has a deadly eye for goal and he adds depth to our squad,” Reiziger added. He also indicated that he would be making further signings. "The squad needs more depth if we are going to challenge for the title."

In related news, centre-back Bruno Martins Indi has signed a new contract with Feyenoord, which will keep him at the club until 2016.

Feyenoord have announced their second signing of the summer, the shock signing of Javi Espinosa on loan from Barcelona.

Espinosa, 19, has been labelled by the Spanish media as the next Andres Iniesta, and this signing will be seen as a major coup, as new manager Michael Reiziger looks to add depth to his squad.

Reiziger said, "Javi is a fantastic footballer and has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world. I am extremely happy that he has decided to take the next step of his career with Feyenoord."

“I am absolutely delighted to being joining Feyenoord,” said Espinosa. "This is a fantastic opportunity to further my footballing education and gain some first team experience. I am looking forward to working with the gaffer, he's impressed me with his plan for the club."

Spanish media has reported that Feyenoord have inserted an option to buy Espinosa for £1.5 million at the end of the season, but Barcelona have quashed the rumours. "The contract does not include an option to buy. Javi will be returning to the club at the end of the year, without any doubt," a spokesperson for Barcelona stated.

Espinosa joins Kermit Erasmus at De Kuip, and there could be more arrivals on the way, with Manchester City's John Guidetti being linked with a return to Rotterdam.