Giovanni van Bronckhorst replaces Premier League icon as head coach days after Liverpool exit

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is set to become the new Feyenoord manager just three days after his Liverpool exit.

The 51-year-old will succeed former Arsenal and Manchester United star Robin van Persie, who was axed by his boyhood club this month.

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It will be Van Bronckhorst’s first senior management role since he was sacked by Turkish side Besiktas in November 2024.

In an ironic twist of fate, the Dutchman will also be supported by Sipke Hulshoff, who was Arne Slot’s No.2 at Feyenoord and Liverpool.

The duo were only officially announced to have left Anfield on Friday, weeks after their compatriot Slot was relieved of head coach duties.

Van Bronckhorst only arrived as part of a revamped Liverpool backroom team last summer following John Heitinga’s exit.

Van Bronckhorst returns to Feyenoord

The former left-back came through the Feyenoord ranks as a player before turning professional with his boyhood side in 1993.

It will be his second stint in the dugout at De club aan de Maas, who handed him his first senior management job 11 years ago.

Van Bronckhorst rewarded Feyenoord’s faith by winning the KNVB Cup in his first season and then followed that up 12 months later by delivering the club’s first Eredivisie title for 18 years.

The ex-Barcelona and Arsenal player made the decision to seek pastures new after four years in 2019.

Following a brief spell in the Chinese Super League, Van Bronckhorst took the reins at another of his old clubs as he took over Rangers.

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During his stint at Ibrox, he led the Gers to a Europa League final but suffered agonising defeat on penalties to Oliver Glasner’s Frankfurt.

He was axed months later in November 2022 following a 1-1 draw with St. Mirren, which left Rangers nine points adrift of Celtic.

However, what perhaps played a greater part in his exit was Rangers becoming the worst team in Champions League group-stage history.

The Scottish giants ended a 12-year absence from Europe’s elite in 2022/23, but lost all six games with a goal difference of minus-20.

His most recent stint as a head coach was even shorter, with Besiktas handing him his marching orders after just 20 games at the helm.

Van Bronckhorst’s only season at Liverpool then saw the club slip from Premier League champions to fifth without winning a trophy.

AFP

Why was Van Persie sacked?

Feyenoord have moved quickly to install a new head coach after parting ways with Van Bronckhorst’s former Netherlands teammate.

Van Persie guided the Rotterdam-based outfit to second in his first full campaign, but finished 19 points behind champions PSV.

Feyenoord technical director Devy Rigaux explained: “Robin van Persie has given everything for the club over the past 18 months.

“He deserves credit for guiding the team through a challenging season and ultimately securing second place.

“That ensured qualification for the UEFA Champions League, which is of great importance to the club.

“We conducted a thorough internal evaluation in which we looked at several factors, including the development of the team’s performances and the downward trend in points collected, both in Europe and in the Eredivisie.

“The conclusion was that it would be better to start the new season with a new head coach.”