We take a look at some of the candidates who could take over from Ronald Koeman as Feyenoord coach in the summer.
- By Michael Bell
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Koeman announced this weekend that he will not sign a new deal with Feyenoord, and will leave the club in the summer in order to further his career elsewhere.
Under Koeman Feyenoord have went from tenth place to 2nd, and 3rd place finishes, while the club are still involved in the title race this year, and only sit seven points behind leaders Ajax.
The next appointment is one that Feyenoord have to get right, with the prospect of not only losing Koeman in the summer, but also some of their key players, such as Graziano Pelle, Bruno Martins Indi, and Jordy Clasie.
Here are some of the men who could replace Koeman:
Co Adriaanse
Currently the favourite among Dutch media to take over is Adriaanse, but the ageing coach has not tasted success in a number of years, and was sacked by FC Twente in his last coaching position.
His highest achievements have been to take Willem II to the Champions League, whilst he also won the Portuguese league with Porto. Apart from that Adriaanse has had little success coaching sides such as Ajax, Red Bull Salzburg, or AZ Alkmaar. Known for his controversial training methods, Adriaanse may also not be a popular choice among the players, especially after criticising them lately when appearing on tv.
Chance of appointment: 8/10
Marco van Basten
Like Koeman, Van Basten also stated this week that he would leave his position as Heerenveen coach in the summer. This has seen him linked with the position at Feyenoord.
Although he failed in his first two coaching positions as Netherlands boss, and at Ajax, Van Basten has redeemed himself with Heerenveen, and likes to play a brand of attacking football that would be popular in Rotterdam.
However his ties to Feyenoords fierce rivals Ajax may make any deal unlikely.
Chance of appointment: 4/10
Frank Rijkaard
The ex-Barcelona coach would be a high profile appointment should Feyenoord look to offer the 51-year-old the position. Has been out of work since leaving Saudi Arabia in 2013, and would probably jump at the chance to coach Feyenoord.
However the managers last experience as a coach in Rotterdam (took over Sparta Rotterdam in 2001) ended with relegation and a sacking. Like van Basten is known as an Ajax legend, but could be a perfect appointment for Feyenoord.
Won the league twice, and the Champions League with Barcelona, and could inject a winning mentality back into Feyenoord
Chance of appointment: 6/10
Peter Bosz
Currently coach of Vitesse, Peter Bosz’s stock as a football coach is rising, and if he can guide the club to the Eredivisie title this season then he will be sought after by a number of clubs.
Played attacking football with Heracles before his appointment in Arnhem, and has turned Vitesse into title contenders, with a bit of help from Chelsea.
A lifelong Feyenoord fan, Bosz played for five years at De Kuip, and was also the technical director of the club for three years before joining Heracles. The chance to manage the club he loves would be a difficult opportunity to turn down.
However Bosz is said to have a frosty relationship with current Feyenoord director Martin van Geel making an appointment unlikely. Also Vitesse would look for compensation if their boss was to leave, and with Feyenoords money troubles, they may be unwilling to pay what would be required.
Chances of appointment: 5/10
Jean-Paul van Gastel
The current assistant coach of Feyenoord could throw his hat into the ring having learned from Koeman during his spell in charge. If Feyenoord want to continue Koeman’s legacy then what better place to look than his number two?
A fans favourite, Van Gastel enjoyed a five year spell as a player at the club, whilst he has also managed Feyenoords reserve side. May not be the big name fans are looking for, but has worked closely and knows the players.
Chances of appointment: 6/10
Giovanni van Bronckhorst/ Roy Makaay
If Feyenoord want to follow the likes of Ajax, and PSV in appointing a young ex-player as their coach, then along with Van Gastel they could also look at Van Bronckhorst and Makaay.
Both players are legends in Feyenoord, and are currently working as coaches at the club, but their appointment could prove to be a huge risk with their inexperience. Probably both better suited to being assistants to the new coach at the moment.
Chances of appointment: 4/10
Rene Meulensteen
Currently the coach of Fulham, but rumours that he could be replaced have surfaced, and that would leave the ex-Manchester united coach as an option for Feyenoord.
Yet to be successful as a head coach in his career, Meulensteen may be more suited to the assistant role that he had at Manchester United. However he is yet to manage in the Eredivisie, and Feyenoord could offer a chance for the 49-year-old to prove himself.
Chances of appointment: 5/10
Andre Villas Boas
Won the league with Porto before two high profile failures with both Chelsea and Tottenham. Villas Boas needs a club where he can make a name for himself again, and he could be perfect for Feyenoord.
Feyenoord are unlikely to appoint a foreign coach, but should they look outside Netherlands, Villas Boas could bring new ideas to the club, and rebuild the team.
Chances of appointment: 2/10
Louis van Gaal
Van Gaal will leave his job as Netherlands boss in the summer, and has stated he is looking for an attractive position in club football, or he will retire.
Could that job be with Feyenoord? probably not, especially with Tottenham so highly linked.
Chance of appointment: 1/10
Bert van Marwijk
Would the former Netherlands boss return to Feyenoord for a third spell as head coach?
Has a good win % in both spells as Feyenoord coach, and has won the UEFA cup, and KNVB Cup with the club. Recently named as coach of Bundesliga strugglers Hamburg, but with the club slipping closer to relegation, he may become available by the time Koeman leaves in the summer.
Chance of appointment: 3/10
Other possibilities: Ruud Gullit, Dick Advocaat, Danny Blind, Patrick Kluivert, Erwin Koeman, Willem van Hanegem
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