As expected, Feyenoord have announced that coach Fred Rutten will leave the club at the end of the season.
- By Michael Bell
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A statement on Feyenoord’s website revealed that Rutten decided as far back as the 12th of February that he would not be extending his expiring contract in Rotterdam, but they decided to delay the announcement until now due to several key matches for the club.
Rutten said on his departure after only one season in charge, “Our ambitions do not differ, but where it concerns the possibilities of making the final step towards the top, my vision on how the high expectations that are prevalent at Feyenoord can be fulfilled does not correspond to the club’s. Obviously I experience this as a disappointment. Because Feyenoord is and remains a fantastic club. But club management, players and staff are entitled to a clear conclusion from my side. There was a reason why we very deliberately chose to join forces for one season.”
Feyenoord director Martin van Geel revealed that the club wanted to keep Rutten on, “We were and are very satisfied with Fred. The club wanted to keep him on, but we naturally respect him not wanting that. It is in any case good that there is clarity on the future. We now have plenty of time to think about his successor.”
The search will now begin for a successor with current assistant coach Jean-Paul van Gastel the favourite to take over from next season.
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