Feyenoord have parted ways with head coach Brian Priske just two days before their crucial Champions League playoff first-leg match against AC Milan. The decision, announced on Saturday, comes amid what the club described as “highly inconsistent results” and a breakdown in communication between the coaching staff and the club’s hierarchy.
In an official statement, Feyenoord confirmed Priske’s departure with immediate effect, along with his assistants Lukas Babalola Andersson and Björn Hamberg. “The club and the coach have mutually agreed to part ways,” the statement read. “The team’s contrasting performances and a lack of synergy have led to this decision. A provisional coaching staff is expected to be appointed tomorrow.”
The move reflects growing tensions behind the scenes at Feyenoord following an erratic run of form. While the Dutch side enjoyed moments of success under Priske—particularly in their Champions League campaign—overall performances in recent months have fallen short of expectations. Their domestic results have been uneven, causing concerns about the team’s trajectory and long-term development.
Feyenoord’s general director Dennis te Kloese expressed disappointment over the situation, acknowledging the achievements made during Priske’s tenure but emphasizing the club’s need for consistent progress. “It is very disappointing for all parties involved to have reached this outcome,” said Te Kloese. “Although Feyenoord achieved some impressive results under Brian, particularly in the Champions League, the team’s performances in recent months have been too inconsistent, and unfortunately, we are seeing too little structural progress.”
Priske, who was appointed in the summer, initially appeared to have solidified Feyenoord’s standing both domestically and in Europe. However, recent struggles in the Eredivisie and concerns over the team’s lack of tactical cohesion reportedly strained the relationship between Priske and the club’s management.
The decision to dismiss Priske comes at a critical time, as Feyenoord prepare to face Milan in a high-stakes encounter that could determine their place in the Champions League’s knockout stages. With only two days to make adjustments, the club will now rely on interim staff to steady the team and avoid further disruption ahead of the pivotal tie.
Priske’s departure also highlights the pressure on Feyenoord to maintain momentum in a season where the expectations are high, given their strong European performances. The club’s decision to act decisively before such an important fixture underscores their commitment to addressing internal issues swiftly and ensuring that the team remains competitive on all fronts.
As Feyenoord prepare to announce their temporary coaching setup, all eyes will be on how the players respond to the sudden change and whether the shake-up will affect their performance against Milan. The match is set to be a crucial test of the club’s resilience in the face of adversity, and success or failure could shape the remainder of their season.
