Foundation at Feyenoord can support Slot’s departure: ‘No reason to panic’

NOS Football•today, 09:20

Since his arrival in the summer of 2021, Arne Slot has transformed Feyenoord from defensive sub-star to offensive prize winner and Champions League participant. The trainer’s upcoming departure to Liverpool is a major loss, but original Feyenoorders Regi Blinker and Peter Houtman reassure the supporters: “There is no reason to panic.”

“Too strong a foundation has been built within the entire club over the past three years,” Blinker explains. Things won’t just collapse, he wants to say. In addition, he believes that the way of playing that Slot used can be largely adopted by a successor.

“Slot has shown what type of football and behavior can achieve results. But you can now call Slot’s way of playing Feyenoord’s way of playing. His successor can continue that line,” said Blinker, who played in the 1980s. and played ninety for the Rotterdam club.

“Every trainer has a slightly different way of playing and puts his own signature on it, but the current profile at Feyenoord must be the basis,” Blinker continues. “From building back and chasing the opponent, with young players with potential. That is the starting point.”

Houtman, former player and current Feyenoord stadium speaker, says: “If Feyenoord chooses to continue this style, it must weigh heavily when choosing a trainer. Fortunately, there are a lot of trainers. There is certainly one suitable for the job.”

Both men agree that the job nowadays involves more than just preparing the players as best as possible for a match. “Slot has brought a breath of fresh air and, with his drive, has allowed Feyenoord to grow at all levels. A new Feyenoord culture has emerged,” says Houtman.

Blinker has also seen the club change considerably over the past three years: “There is a new vision, from the way of playing to the management of the entire company. A trainer must have the capabilities to function within that.”

One of the most important things that comes with that job is media appearances. “Slot had a good image and spoke to the press very skillfully,” says Blinker. Houtman explains: “He was always realistic, in his preliminary discussions and afterthoughts.”

Houtman thinks it would be good if Slot’s successor would do this in roughly the same way. “Slot approached this in a very down-to-earth way. His successor must also be able to do that. Nowadays that must also be the case, with all the channels and football media that are active.”

On Friday, Slot said he is confident that things will work out with Liverpool:

Closing: ‘Of course you can always congratulate me’

Blinker and Houtman both find it difficult to name the most suitable successor, but have confidence in the management of Feyenoord. Houtman: “They certainly know what they are doing there. And remember: no one is irreplaceable.”