Rotterdam, Netherlands – Sparta Rotterdam and head coach Maurice Steijn have mutually agreed to part ways at the conclusion of the current season, the club announced on March 2, 2026. The decision, reached after intensive discussions regarding a contract extension, marks the finish of a successful, though ultimately time-limited, partnership.
Technical Director Gerard Nijkamp expressed regret over Steijn’s departure, stating, “That we are losing Maurice is a shame, but we must respect his decision.” Steijn informed the club earlier on Saturday that he would not be renewing his contract in Rotterdam. “We had a number of good conversations and expressed the intention to continue together, but Maurice has decided to seek a new environment,” Nijkamp explained. “I wasn’t surprised, more that we regret it.”
The timing of the announcement, coming shortly after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against sc Heerenveen, initially suggested ongoing negotiations. Steijn had indicated after the match that discussions were still underway. “We’ve already had two conversations and there’s a third conversation coming up next week,” he said. “That’s likewise the last conversation, so we’ll observe,” he added cryptically. However, the club and coach have now reached a definitive conclusion.
Nijkamp acknowledged the swiftness of the announcement suggests Steijn is already in talks with another club. “I really don’t know, those conversations weren’t about that,” Nijkamp said. “You’ll have to ask Maurice, it’s not up to me to comment on that.” The club is now initiating a search for Steijn’s replacement, a process Nijkamp says they are prepared for.
“The fact is that we can now look for a new coach, and we appreciate Maurice for letting us know now,” Nijkamp stated. “We are already starting the process. First, we will define the profile, which we already know. Then we will look for names and start talks.” Nijkamp declined to elaborate on the specific qualities they are seeking in a new manager, citing the competitive landscape for coaches. “I’m not going to be tempted to share the profile. Several clubs are looking for coaches. Sometimes you have to keep your cards close to your chest,” he laughed.
Steijn’s tenure at Sparta has been marked by success, including guiding the team to the Play-Off finals in a previous spell and engineering a significant turnaround upon his return last season. Nijkamp lauded Steijn’s courage in stepping into the role with just four games remaining in a previous season and the subsequent successful campaign. He also highlighted the positive impact Steijn has had on the club’s current trajectory.
However, Nijkamp indicated the club believes Steijn has reached the ceiling of what he can achieve with the current squad. “Alongside the pleasant and professional collaboration over the past years, we as management believe that Maurice has gotten the maximum out of the current possibilities at Sparta, that is a fact,” Nijkamp explained. “However, both parties also have ambitions, and Maurice has indicated that he is looking for a different environment, which we can only understand. Conversely, this gives the club the opportunity to focus attention on contracting a new head coach early and to put new energy and focus on the coming season.”
Steijn himself expressed his enjoyment of his time at Sparta, stating, “First of all, I want to indicate that working at Sparta still gives a lot of pleasure and satisfaction, because we still have three months left. We will have worked together for a total of three years, and if you look back at where the club started and where This proves now, that is a compliment. I ultimately made the decision and am giving Sparta the space to orient themselves towards a successor, and I myself am also looking for a new challenge. For the next three months, everything is focused on finishing the Sparta period well, together with my staff and players, because we still have everything to play for.”
The search for a new head coach will focus on finding a Dutch manager, according to Nijkamp. The ideal candidate will be someone who has a proven track record of success, develops players, and integrates youth talent into the first team. Communication skills and the ability to handle media scrutiny are also considered crucial attributes. Sparta is looking for a coach who can implement a “physically street-style” of football, according to reports.
As Sparta Rotterdam prepares for a managerial transition, the club’s focus remains on finishing the current season strongly. The timing of Steijn’s departure allows for a thorough and considered search for his replacement, ensuring the club can maintain its momentum and build for the future. The next match for Sparta Rotterdam is scheduled for March 10th against Feyenoord at Het Kasteel stadium.
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