What happened: Giovanni van Bronckhorst is set to return to Feyenoord as the new head coach, bringing back the manager who secured the club's 2017 Eredivisie title. He will be joined by Sipke Hulshoff, who returns to De Kuip as assistant coach after both departed Liverpool following the 2025-26 Premier League title campaign.
Why it matters: The appointment follows the dismissal of Robin van Persie and aims to stabilize the club under familiar leadership. By pairing a tactical specialist in Hulshoff with a charismatic former captain in Van Bronckhorst, Feyenoord's new technical director seeks to replicate the structure that led to sustained success prior to Arne Slot's move to England.
By the numbers: Van Bronckhorst previously managed Feyenoord from 2015 to 2019, winning five trophies including the Eredivisie and two KNVB Cups. Hulshoff and Van Bronckhorst join fresh from winning the 2025-26 Premier League title as part of Slot's staff at Liverpool.
What to watch: Feyenoord is expected to officially present the new coaching duo later this week as they begin preparations for the 2026-27 Eredivisie season.