Football Season Guide

The 2-year Robin Van Persie’s tenure at the helm of Feyenoord was a disappointing one: the former Dutch star only led the Rotterdam outfit to a third and second Eredivisie spot respectively, ending up 19 points below PSV Eindhoven, last season. Management and supporters never fell in love with the former striker and one cannot blame them. Feyenoord actually led the table from mid-September to early November before facing an incredible injury crisis, which plagued all departments and took its heavy toll in terms of results and cost them all hopes of fighting for the title. Had they been at full strength, they might have gone for something more, considering that they held the third-best attack with 70 goals scored and the 4th-best defence with 44 goals conceded but only 10 clean sheets. Feyenoord management played it safe and, in order to become real title contender, sacked Van Persie and called beloved Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, last season an assistant at Liverpool, back after 6-7 years roaming around Europe. They also tried to keep the back-bone of the team untouched with just a few squad changes. In goal, with Wellenreuther gone, Ernst, last season at Hertha Berlin, will become the new number 1. Last season, Trauner and Beelen were the predicted starting pair of centre-backs but they never managed to play because of injuries. The former left while the latter will need time before getting back to full form. Ahmedhodzic and Watanabe may have to be holding the fort again with new signing Marmol not ready yet. The midfield, also heavily battered, did not change much over the summer. Starting Hwang was let go while Vanhoutte arrived from Nice. The likes of Moder and young Targhalline are expected to earn more and more playing time while more will be asked of unimpressive attacking midfielder Steijn. The attack managed to retain star striker Ueda, 25 goals last season, while they signed a much-needed alternative in Ferri, coming off a great season at Westerlo. Losing Starting winger Moussa would be a big blow for them.