The Premier League has welcomed several Dutch coaches over the years — Ruud Gullit, Martin Jol, Guus Hiddink, Louis van Gaal, and more recently Erik ten Hag. Last season, a Dutchman, Arne Slot, even won the league with Liverpool.
Yet despite occasional success, most Dutch managers struggle to adapt. This article explores why Dutch coaches often falter in England, with Slot the latest test case.
Dutch Football Philosophy
The origins of Dutch football go back to two visionaries: Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff.
- Michels, winner of the 1988 European Championship with the Netherlands and the 1971 European Cup with Ajax, pioneered Total Football: high pressing, positional interchangeability, intelligent movement, and possession-based attacks.
- Cruyff, who won four La Ligas and a European trophy with Barcelona, mirrored Michels’ philosophy after being coached by him as a player.
Together, they inspired a generation of Dutch coaches who value playing the “right way.” In the Netherlands, football is more than winning — it’s about style. Possession-driven, fluid, and technical play is tied to youth academies and a cultural belief that football should be beautiful.
The Premier League Reality
Where Dutch football celebrates patience and methodical phases of play, the Premier League thrives on chaos and urgency. English football’s identity is rooted in intensity and results. In the Netherlands, if a team won 1–0 with one shot and 25 percent possession, the manager would be criticised. In England, that same result would be praised. The relentless demand for success leaves little margin for error, often exposing Dutch coaches who emphasise style and long-term development.
Case Studies of Struggle
Louis van Gaal (Manchester United, 2014–2016)
- Arrived with huge pedigree: La Liga with Barcelona, Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, Champions League with Ajax, and a World Cup semi-final with the Netherlands.
- Implemented rigid, slow, possession football. After 10 matches United were 9th, fans restless. Form improved, finishing 4th in 2014/15.
- In 2015/16, United finished 5th despite winning the FA Cup. Criticised for dull tactics, Van Gaal was sacked two days after lifting the trophy.
Frank de Boer (Crystal Palace, 2017)
- Ajax legend, four-time Eredivisie winner as coach.
- Tried to instil Ajax-style possession football at Palace.
- Lost all four opening games without scoring a goal.
- Sacked after just 77 days — one of the shortest reigns in Premier League history.
Ruud Gullit (Chelsea 1996–1998, Newcastle 1998–1999)
- First Dutch manager in the Premier League, brought flair and continental style.
- Won the FA Cup in 1997, Chelsea’s first major trophy in 26 years.
- Sacked in 1998 despite Chelsea sitting 2nd, reportedly over wage demands.
- At Newcastle, reached the 1999 FA Cup final but resigned after poor results and media pressure.
Erik ten Hag (Manchester United, 2022–2024)
- Joined United after winning three Eredivisie titles with Ajax.
- Mirrored Ajax’s slow possession and structured pressing.
- First season: won the Carabao Cup, runners-up in the FA Cup, 3rd in the league.
- Second season: won the FA Cup but league form collapsed, finishing 8th.
- Third season: poor results left United 14th; sacked in October 2024.
Arne Slot at Liverpool — Exception or Next in Line?
Arne Slot arrived at Liverpool in 2024 as Jürgen Klopp’s successor, with big boots to fill. At Feyenoord he had won the Eredivisie playing possession-based football and fluid attacking rotations.
Slot stunned the league by winning the Premier League in his debut season, instilling control and tactical discipline while maintaining Liverpool’s attacking edge. With £450 million spent on new players, expectations soared. After five straight wins, Liverpool looked unstoppable.
But defensive frailties have since been exposed. With six wins and six losses, Liverpool sit mid-table. Pressure is mounting, and questions are being asked: can Slot’s Dutch ideals withstand Premier League intensity? Or will he join the list of managers undone by England’s unforgiving reality?