Dirk Kuytโ€™s first thoughts at FC Dordrecht: โ€œA great opportunity to further develop as a coachโ€

Dirk Kuytโ€™s third coaching job has arrived in the shape of second-division FC Dordrecht. Following Melvin Boelโ€™s departure to the aspirational Go Ahead Eagles, Kuytโ€™s arrival at the Stadion Krommedijk is tinged with hope after a drab season at Beerschot last term.

Labelled a โ€œhigh potential trainerโ€ by his new club, read on as we look through the former Feyenoord and Liverpool manโ€™s comments regarding his first job back on the Dutch sidelines after a short stint with ADO Den Haag in 2022.

Looking to add more stability and experience to an growing coaching resume

Image via Voetbal 24

Last season, Kuyt was often a perplexed figure in a chaotic scene at Beerschot. At one point, the first team didnโ€™t have a pitch to train on, leading the coach to drive around Antwerp in search of a new location. At a time when relegation-earning form was abysmal and board members seemed to be in and out on a conveyor belt, stress levels were (understandably) through the roof.

Kuyt has already looked far more relaxed in his formative tenure, and it seems that a club-wide stability is what drew him to South Holland.

โ€œThis is a great opportunity to further develop myself as a coach. I am here to bring even more stability to the club.

โ€œI also want to continue the attacking game that they have shown in recent years. And to allow the great talents to develop further. I canโ€™t wait to get started on the field.โ€

Continuing a strong bond with Feyenoord

Image via Voetbal 24
Image via The Sun

While Dordrecht admittedly have talents in their own right, the links with regional superpower Feyenoord are undeniable.

Replicating the success of loanee Shiloh โ€˜t Zand in 2023-24, exciting 20-year-old winger Jaden Slory grabbed 10 goals and seven assists in 33 matches last term to be voted the top talent in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie as the Schapenkoppen finished fifth.

Former Feyenoord captain Kuyt adds to this, and while he has previously described the managerial job at De Kuip as a dream, he understands the job at hand and how the links could help his existing group.

โ€œI knew there was a link with Feyenoord, I really like the mutual cooperation. There is a lot of quality and potential in the technical staff here. I look forward to the cooperation.

โ€œRobin has his first training today (Monday). Let him first see what kind of meat he has in De Kuip, then weโ€™ll see if he still has something nice for us.โ€

Following in Melvin Boelโ€™s developmental footsteps

Image via AD

Old boss Melvin Boel enjoyed similar experiences to Kuyt, cutting his managerial teeth within the youth system at Feyenoord. Given the 38-year-oldโ€™s recent step up, Kuyt (44) is hoping to follow his friendโ€™s lead.

โ€œItโ€™s nice to know in advance what youโ€™re getting into. Which players are you going to work with? What about the technical staff? I was already convinced, but he convinced me even more. We spoke for more than an hour. That says everything about our bond and also a lot about Melvin.โ€

So, what specifically can we expect in this upcoming season? Kuyt has already made one signing with the acquisition of forward Nick Venema from Valenciennes. Yet, aside from that nod to the teamโ€™s offensive output, the former striker is keeping his cards close to his chest.

โ€œDue to all sorts of factors, itโ€™s not realistic to say a precise goal now. In any case, weโ€™ll go for the maximum, thatโ€™s what Iโ€™ve already said to the players. Iโ€™m mainly looking forward to getting on the field now.โ€

GBeNeFNย |ย Max Bradfield

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