Brian Priske (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Feyenoord has sacked coach Brian Priske just two days before their Champions League clash against AC Milan, citing poor domestic form despite recent European success.
In a shocking turn of events, Feyenoord has announced the dismissal of head coach Brian Priske just two days before their highly anticipated Champions League clash against AC Milan. The decision comes shortly after Feyenoord's 3-0 victory over city rivals Sparta Rotterdam, but poor results in recent weeks appear to have sealed Priske’s fate.
Feyenoord currently sits fifth in the Eredivisie with 39 points from 21 matches (12 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses). They trail third-placed Utrecht by three points, though Utrecht has played one more game. Despite their impressive Champions League performances earlier this season, Feyenoord's domestic inconsistency and early cup exit at the hands of PSV have put pressure on the coaching staff.
In the club’s official statement, Feyenoord confirmed that Priske’s departure is effective immediately. His assistants, Lukas Babalola Anderson and Bjorn Hamberg, will also leave the club. The club hopes to appoint an interim head coach by Tuesday, just a day before the crucial European fixture.
"We are very disappointed to have to make this decision," said Dennis te Kloese, Feyenoord’s sporting director. "Although Feyenoord achieved impressive results in the Champions League recently, there has been a lack of consistency and progress in the past few months. I still have great respect for Bryan as a professional and as a person. However, sometimes, despite the best intentions from all sides, you reach a point where support is no longer enough to continue the partnership."
Feyenoord's upcoming match against Milan marks the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, adding even more intrigue to what is already a high-stakes fixture.