After appointing Giovanni van Bronckhorst as head coach and Sipke Hulshoff as assistant, Feyenoord now plan talks with another of Arne Slot‘s long-time staff.
Slot’s sacking by Liverpool prompted a clear-out of the Dutchman’s backroom staff, with Andoni Iraola poised to bring in his own set of coaches.
Assistants Van Bronckhorst and Hulshoff left along with lead physical performance coach Ruben Peeters and first-team tactical analyst Roderick van der Ham, with two already finding new jobs.
This week saw Feyenoord confirm Van Bronckhorst as their new head coach – returning for a second stint in the role – with Hulshoff his assistant.
And in their unveiling press conference, Feyenoord technical director Davy Rigaux revealed plans to speak with Peeters over a return to De Kuip.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, December 8, 2025: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
“I know Ruben personally. Ruben is on holiday at the moment and he will decide his own future,” Rigaux told reporters.
“But I will undoubtedly speak with Ruben again.”
If Peeters were to take up his previous role at Feyenoord it would be significant as the 34-year-old had worked alongside Slot for five years at two different clubs.
Similarly, Hulshoff had served as Slot’s assistant for a total of five years across spells with SC Cambuur, Feyenoord and then Liverpool.
What next for Arne Slot after split from staff?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (R) and first assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While Feyenoord are not looking to, in Rigaux’s words, “recreate some kind of Arne Slot effect” in appointing Van Bronckhorst and Hulshoff, it leaves the Dutchman without many of his core staff as he plots his next move.
Slot has already turned down an offer to take over as Fulham head coach, with former Liverpool right-back Alvaro Arbeloa now poised to take the job instead.
There is an expectation in the Netherlands that he could wait to take over as national team manager if Ronald Koeman steps down after the World Cup.
If he were to do so it would likely require an altogether different setup in terms of his staff, with the roles not as dedicated as day-to-day coaching duties.
Perhaps that explains Hulshoff’s decision to return to Rotterdam as Van Bronckhorst’s assistant, though speculation will no doubt continue over any breakdown in their allegiances to Slot.
Feyenoord’s new coaching duo have signed two-year contracts, with the option of an additional year, and they will begin their reign against local rivals Sparta Rotterdam in their Eredivisie opener on August 9.