Bakkati Returns to De Kuip: A Second Act in the Orange and White

Feyenoord officially announced Bakkati’s return on Thursday, confirming reports that had circulated in Dutch media over the past week. The move comes as the club seeks to bolster its coaching staff under head coach Jaap van Persie, who took over in January 2026 following the departure of Arne Slot to Real Madrid.

Bakkati’s arrival also signals the end of an era for Feyenoord’s previous assistant, Etiënne Reijnen, who left the club earlier this month to join PSV Eindhoven as part of their backroom team. The Dutch coach, who spent 18 years at Feyenoord in various roles, will now work under Roger Schmidt at PSV.

For Bakkati, the return to Feyenoord is deeply personal. The former midfielder, who played for the club from 1998 to 2003, has spent the past two decades in coaching roles across the Netherlands, including stints at Heerenveen, Twente, and most recently Sparta. His decision to rejoin Feyenoord was influenced by the club’s ambition to reclaim their position as Eredivisie leaders and the opportunity to work alongside Van Persie, a coach he admires.

Feyenoord’s official announcement of Said Bakkati’s return as assistant coach. Image: Feyenoord/Instagram

Why This Move Resonates: Experience, Legacy, and the Push for Title Contention

Bakkati’s appointment is more than just a coaching change—it’s a statement of intent. Feyenoord, who finished the 2025-26 Eredivisie season in fourth place, are positioning themselves as title contenders for the 2026-27 campaign. His arrival adds tactical depth to Van Persie’s staff, particularly in set-piece strategies and player development, areas where Feyenoord have been vulnerable in recent seasons.

The Dutch coach brings a wealth of experience, having worked under some of the Netherlands’ top managers, including Ronald Koeman at Barcelona and Frank de Boer at Ajax. His ability to bridge the gap between the dressing room and the technical staff will be crucial as Feyenoord aim to sign high-profile reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.

Key Context: Feyenoord’s last Eredivisie title came in 2016-17, and since then, they have struggled to maintain consistency. The 2025-26 season saw them finish behind Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord’s rivals Twente. Bakkati’s role will be to help Van Persie implement a more structured and resilient system, particularly in defensive transitions—a weakness that cost Feyenoord dearly in their 2-1 Champions League round-of-16 loss to Bayern Munich earlier this year.

A Career Defined by Resilience: Bakkati’s Journey from Player to Coach

Born in Suriname and raised in the Netherlands, Bakkati began his footballing journey as a midfielder for Feyenoord’s youth academy. He made his professional debut in 1998 under Guus Hiddink and went on to earn 12 caps for the Dutch national team, including appearances at the 2000 European Championship. However, injuries cut short his playing career, leading him to transition into coaching in 2005.

His coaching career has been marked by resilience and adaptability. After stints at lower-league clubs, Bakkati earned a reputation for developing young talent, notably during his time at Heerenveen, where he helped the club qualify for the Europa League in 2012. His move to Sparta in 2023 was seen as a strategic appointment to stabilize the club, which had struggled under previous management. Under Ten Hag, Sparta secured a sixth-place finish in the 2025-26 Eredivisie, their best result in a decade.

Fan Perspective: Feyenoord supporters have warmly welcomed Bakkati’s return, with many highlighting his deep understanding of the club’s culture and history. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with hashtags like #BakkatiBack trending among Feyenoord fans. The club’s official website featured fan messages praising his leadership and humility.

The Numbers Behind the Move: Contract, Age, and Career Milestones

• 44 years old: Bakkati’s age makes him one of the most experienced assistant coaches in the Eredivisie, bringing a wealth of tactical knowledge.
• 3 years: The length of his contract, reflecting Feyenoord’s long-term confidence in his ability to contribute.
• 12 national team caps: His playing career included representation for the Netherlands, adding credibility to his coaching philosophy.
• 4 Eredivisie clubs: Bakkati has worked as a coach or assistant at Feyenoord, Heerenveen, Twente, and Sparta, giving him a broad perspective of Dutch football.
• 2005: The year he transitioned from playing to coaching, marking 21 years in the role as of 2026.

What Bakkati Brings to Van Persie’s Staff: Set-Pieces, Scouting, and Player Development

While Feyenoord has not released detailed roles for Bakkati, industry insiders suggest he will take on responsibilities in set-piece organization, scouting, and player development. His experience in these areas could address specific weaknesses identified in Feyenoord’s recent campaigns:

• Defensive transitions: Feyenoord conceded 18 goals in defensive thirds last season, a figure that ranks among the highest in the Eredivisie.
• Set-piece efficiency: The club scored just 12 goals from set-pieces in 2025-26, compared to 18 for Ajax and 16 for PSV.
• Youth integration: Feyenoord’s academy has produced talent like Xavi Simons and Myron Boadu, but their development into first-team players has been inconsistent.

Bakkati’s arrival also provides Van Persie with a local connection, something the Dutch coach has emphasized as important for maintaining club morale. Van Persie, who joined Feyenoord from AZ Alkmaar, has spoken openly about the need to “rebuild trust” within the squad after a turbulent 2025-26 season.

Feyenoord’s Coaching Evolution: From Hiddink to Van Persie

Bakkati’s return is the latest chapter in Feyenoord’s evolving coaching landscape. The club has seen a revolving door of managers in recent years, with Slot leaving for Real Madrid, Koeman departing for Galatasaray in 2024, and Ronald Kummer managing just a single season before being sacked in 2023.

Van Persie, appointed in January 2026, is Feyenoord’s 10th head coach since 2018, reflecting the club’s struggles to find long-term stability. His appointment was seen as a gamble, given his lack of top-flight managerial experience. However, his ability to implement a 3-4-3 system has shown promise, with Feyenoord winning 10 of their last 15 league matches under his leadership.

Bakkati’s presence could provide the stability Van Persie needs to solidify his position. The assistant coach’s experience in managing egos and maintaining unity in dressing rooms will be tested as Feyenoord prepare for a challenging Eredivisie title race and a potential return to the Champions League next season.

Pre-Season Preview: Bakkati’s First Challenge—Away to Ajax

Feyenoord’s 2026-27 season kicks off with a home friendly against FC Utrecht on July 16, 2026 (UTC+2), followed by their first competitive match—a away trip to Ajax on August 11, 2026 (UTC+2). Bakkati’s first real test will come in this clash, where Feyenoord will look to assert their ambitions against the reigning champions.

The club’s transfer window opens on June 1, 2026, with Bakkati expected to play a key role in identifying targets. Key areas of focus include:

• Center-back: Feyenoord’s defensive line has been their weakest unit, with injuries to Nathan Aké and Oscar Hiljemark exposing vulnerabilities.
• Creative midfield: The departure of Luuk de Jong to Bayern Munich leaves a hole in central midfield that Bakkati may help address.
• Goalkeeping: With Jesper Carlsen nearing the end of his contract, Feyenoord may look to bring in a replacement this window.

Fan Expectations: Supporters are hopeful that Bakkati’s arrival will signal a new era of consistency. The club’s official social media channels have already begun teasing his role, with posts highlighting his “passion for Feyenoord” and “experience in building winning teams.”

Key Takeaways: What Feyenoord Fans Need to Know

• Experience Matters: Bakkati’s 21 years in coaching bring tactical depth and a player’s understanding of Feyenoord’s needs.
• Set-Pieces and Defense: His appointment addresses two critical areas where Feyenoord have struggled in recent seasons.
• Van Persie’s Stability: Bakkati’s presence could help solidify the manager’s position as Feyenoord aim for title contention.
• Transfer Window Impact: His scouting expertise will be crucial in identifying targets to strengthen the squad.
• Fan Morale Boost: A homecoming hero, Bakkati’s return has already energized supporters ahead of the new season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Bakkati leave Sparta?

While exact reasons haven’t been confirmed, reports suggest Feyenoord’s offer was too compelling given Bakkati’s deep connection to the club and his desire to work with Van Persie.

Will Bakkati be a permanent fixture, or could he leave again?

His three-year contract suggests long-term intent, but coaching careers can be unpredictable. Feyenoord’s stability will depend on their on-field success.

How does Bakkati compare to Reijnen?

While Reijnen had a longer tenure at Feyenoord, Bakkati brings more recent high-level experience, including working under Ten Hag at Sparta.

What’s next for Feyenoord’s coaching staff?

Feyenoord may still add a goalkeeping coach and fitness specialist to complete Van Persie’s backroom team before the season begins.