In the tradition of Dutch matchday programmes, giving voice to the opposing manager provides a fascinating dual narrative. In this issue, the guest column belongs to Feyenoord head coach Fred Rutten. The contrast between the hopeful, electric anticipation in Groningen and the heavy, suffocating pressure emanating from Rutten’s words is stark. It is a portrait of a manager navigating the chaotic, demanding environment of De Kuip during a highly turbulent season.
Rutten’s tenure at Feyenoord in the 2014/2015 season was marked by high expectations and crushing inconsistencies. In his text, one can read between the lines: the exhaustion of managing a massive, traditional club that is desperate for a return to its former glory. Coming to the Euroborg—a notoriously difficult away ground—was a daunting task for a Feyenoord side struggling to secure European football. Rutten’s column reflects a profound respect for Groningen’s home advantage, heavily colored by his own team’s internal struggles.
This specific match against Groningen would prove to be another nail in the coffin for his time in Rotterdam. The frustration documented in these printed pages is a perfect time capsule of Feyenoord’s “wilderness years” before their eventual resurgence. It highlights the brutal reality of football management: while one city prepares for a parade, another manager is simply fighting to survive the week.
A Look into the Future
Looking back from 2026, the contrast is incredible. Fred Rutten eventually stepped away from the unrelenting spotlight of top-tier Dutch management, transitioning into advisory roles and quieter coaching stints abroad. Meanwhile, Feyenoord finally broke their curse, entering a golden era of league titles and European finals under managers like Arne Slot. Rutten’s melancholic column in the Groningen programme stands as a historical marker of the dark days before the Rotterdam dawn.