Rotterdam – The question of who will lead Feyenoord forward is gaining traction as speculation mounts regarding the future of current manager Robin van Persie. While Van Persie has stabilized the team, whispers of potential replacements are circulating, with Danny Buijs emerging as a strong contender. The Eredivisie club is carefully considering options should a change become necessary, and Buijs’s name is prominently in the mix.
Buijs Linked to Feyenoord Managerial Role
Several names have been mentioned as potential successors to Van Persie. Dick Schreuder, currently excelling at NEC, has been touted, though a move to De Kuip isn’t considered a foregone conclusion. Jon Dahl Tomasson, with a past connection to Rotterdam, is another name in the conversation, but questions remain about his ability to fully revitalize the club. A return for Arne Slot, currently managing Liverpool, appears highly unlikely given his commitments in England.
Increasingly, the focus is turning to Danny Buijs. The former Feyenoord player, who featured for the club between 2006 and 2009, making 51 appearances and scoring six goals, is seen as a viable option. A return to De Kuip as manager would represent a significant moment for both Buijs and the club.
A Focus on Defensive Solidity
Should Buijs take the reins at Feyenoord, a key area of focus would likely be the team’s defensive vulnerabilities. In a recent interview with Voetbal International, Buijs highlighted a concerning trend in Dutch football, stating, “I saw an article in your publication about a negative record regarding clean sheets in the Eredivisie. I’ve been saying for weeks that You can’t defend in the Netherlands. Then people say, ‘What is he complaining about?’ But it’s simply a fact when you look at the basics of how we defend here.”
Buijs contrasted the open, attacking style prevalent in the Eredivisie with the greater defensive discipline required in European competitions. “Nice and all how we aim for to attack here. NEC – Fortuna, 2-3, very nice. But look at Europe, everyone gets knocked out there because we lack a certain solidity. It’s great for the Eredivisie that we play open football. We should continue to do that, but the level of defending really needs to improve.”
Waterreus: Buijs a More Impressive Choice Than Schreuder
Former goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus believes Buijs represents a strong option for Feyenoord. In a column for De Limburger, Waterreus argued that Buijs’s accomplishments with Fortuna Sittard are more noteworthy than those of Schreuder at NEC, stating, “In a time when PR is becoming increasingly important, it seems important to get the masses on board and not step on too many toes. Many journalists do nothing else. Look at how Dick Schreuder, coach of NEC, is massively described as a kind of football saint. He has to and will head to Ajax. Why does everyone parrot each other? Yes, his team is doing reasonably well. But is it allowed, with a selection that 14 of the 18 Eredivisie clubs dream of? What Danny Buijs achieves with Fortuna is really ten times more impressive.”
Buijs’s success at Fortuna Sittard, building a competitive team despite limited resources, has clearly caught the attention of observers within Dutch football. This contrasts with Schreuder’s situation at NEC, where he benefits from a squad widely considered to be among the league’s strongest.
Van Persie’s time at Feyenoord has seen a shift in tactical approach, prioritizing results over dominant possession. This pragmatic approach has yielded positive results, but the question of long-term sustainability remains. Feyenoord currently finds itself in a position where it can challenge for the Eredivisie title, but maintaining that challenge will require astute management and potentially a change in leadership.
The potential appointment of Buijs would signal a return to a familiar face at De Kuip, a player who understands the club’s culture and expectations. His emphasis on defensive organization could address a key weakness in the current squad, and his proven ability to build a competitive team on a limited budget would be a valuable asset. However, the decision ultimately rests with the Feyenoord board, who will carefully weigh all options before making a final determination.
Feyenoord will next face Fortuna Sittard on Sunday, March 8th, at De Kuip. This match presents an opportunity for both Van Persie and Buijs to showcase their abilities, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing managerial speculation. The match is scheduled to kick off at 14:30 CET (13:30 GMT).
As the Eredivisie season progresses, the future of Feyenoord’s managerial position remains a key talking point. The club’s supporters will be hoping for a decision that ensures continued success and a return to the top of Dutch football.
