According to ChronicleLive, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been identified as one of the candidates to replace the departed manager Rafael Benitez for Newcastle United next season. The Dutchman stepped down as the Feyenoord coach at the end of last season and is looking for a “new challenge“. Newcastle, in that regard, appear as an ideal suitor for the ex-Arsenal star, although the Magpies are also considering Roberto Martinez.
Van Bronckhorst’s success at Feyenoord
Van Bronckhorst took charge of Feyenoord back in 2015, and in his first season at the club, the Dutchman led De Stadionclub to an impressive third-place finish in the league. But, it was the 2016/17 campaign that really helped the Feyenoord boss showcase his coaching talents as the club ended Ajax and PSV’s hegemony to lift the Eredivisie title for the first time since 1999.
It was an incredible achievement not only for the manager but for the club as well. But, van Bronckhorst didn’t necessarily enjoy a productive campaign the following season as his team finished fourth in the league table. And that was followed by a third-placed finish in the recently concluded 2018/19 campaign before the Dutchman called an end to his stay at Feyenoord.
What can van Bronckhorst bring to the table?
One of the main reasons behind van Bronckhorst’s success at Feyenoord was his smart operation in the transfer market. The 44-year-old did an outstanding job to deal with the club’s financial constraints and rarely faltered in his investments in the market.
In the summer of 2015, the Dutchman made a risky move by signing veteran Dirk Kuyt while he also added some experience in the backline by bringing in the likes of Eric Botteghin and Jan-Arie van der Heijden. Kuyt finished the following campaign as the club’s top scorer with 23 in all competitions.
But, the biggest win was when van Bronckhorst signed Nicolai Jorgensen for a hefty €3.5 million in 2016. The ex-Copenhagen star went on to become one of the most feared attackers in the Eredivisie.
Aside from his smart transfer market dealings, van Bronckhorst is also known for his man-management that played a vital role behind Feyenoord’s success in recent years.
Will the Dutchman be a good option for Newcastle?
Following the departure of Benitez, it’s time for Newcastle United to start from scratch. And van Bronckhorst, to that end, could be the ideal choice. His bold nature, coupled with his man-management qualities, could be beneficial for the Magpies.
The 44-year-old can also provide Newcastle with an identity and a clear goal, which will be essential if the Tyneside giants are to return among the English elites in the coming years. Therefore, making a move for this talented Dutch manager won’t be a bad idea from Mike Ashley and co.
