Van Hanegem Slams Feyenoord After Heerenveen Defeat: “They Need to Buy Players

Feyenoord lost 5-3 to sc Heerenveen, prompting criticism from club legend Willem van Hanegem, who also suggested signing Heerenveen’s Ringo Meerveld.

According to FR12.nl, van Hanegem, in his podcast “Willem & Wessel,” was highly critical of Feyenoord’s performance, calling it the worst of the season. He focused on the team’s lack of teamwork, singling out players like Zechiël, Vanhoutte, and Valente for individualistic play.

Van Hanegem Slams Feyenoord’s Play

“What’s the worst thing? Just: the play,” van Hanegem said, as reported by FR12.nl. He described the defeat as a “good punishment” and urged the team to play as they did a few weeks ago, emphasizing the need for everyone to contribute instead of focusing on individual quality.

His critique extended to specific players. He noted Zechiël, a good player, was not alone in his poor form. He criticized Vanhoutte for believing he could beat multiple opponents after a single good pass and questioned Valente’s claim of working on his issues, asking, “With his bike?”

He also expressed frustration that the team’s drastic drop in form was unexplainable. “As every Feyenoord supporter, Willem van Hanegem also got annoyed with his club this weekend,” FR12.nl reported.

Call for Transfer Reinforcements

Looking ahead to the January transfer window, van Hanegem recommended Feyenoord sign two or three new players, if financially possible.

Van Hanegem reserved his harshest words for goalkeeper Tjark Ernst. “He hasn’t prevented a single goal. Blunders?” He also noted that “it seems like he shrinks when he dives. Then he can’t get to it all of a sudden.” However, he added the caveat that “finding a replacement in the Netherlands is becoming difficult.”

Meerveld as a Solution

In a more positive vein, van Hanegem praised Heerenveen’s Ringo Meerveld, who scored a hat-trick against Feyenoord after coming on as a substitute. “I’ve thought he’s a good player for years,” he said. “I would buy him.” FCvideo.nl reported that Van Hanegem was “expressively positive” about the attacking midfielder.

FCvideo.nl noted that van Hanegem went further, suggesting Feyenoord should pursue Meerveld in the winter transfer window. He also questioned why Heerenveen coach Veldman does not start Meerveld regularly, stating, “Of course,” he responded when asked if he would play him as a starter.

The report highlighted that Feyenoord had been interested in Meerveld in the winter of the 2024/2025 season but that the transfer fell through. Meerveld eventually moved from Willem II to sc Heerenveen.

FCvideo.nl also pointed out that Feyenoord's loss to Heerenveen caused the club to lose its Eredivisie lead to PSV.

Feyenoord Pursues Meerveld Following Renewed Transfer Speculation

The interest in Meerveld is not new. Feyenoord pursued him in the winter of 2024, but the move never happened. The 23-year-old midfielder’s recent performance has renewed speculation about a potential move to Rotterdam. Feyenoord's response to this interest will become clear when the transfer window opens.