Verbeek takes leave of struggling Feyenoord

Gertjan Verbeek has parted company with Feyenoord after, according to a club statement, "the chemistry between players and coach totally vanished", leaving the Rotterdam outfit 12th in the Eredivisie at the halfway stage.

Disappointing campaign
The 46-year-old Verbeek arrived at De Kuip in the summer as successor to Bert van Marwijk, but has struggled to make an impact with Feyenoord losing 14 of their 26 competitive fixtures this term. That form brought UEFA Cup elimination after failing to pick up a point in the group stage and, with 17 games gone in the Eredivisie, Feyenoord are only five points above the relegation zone in what is their centenary year. Verbeek has lost the confidence of his squad according to general director Eric Gudde, leaving the club in an untenable position. He added: "It's a low for football when a number of players do not want to continue with a coach, but there is no other solution then to install someone else at the helm. Gertjan does not deserve this."

Vlemmings chance
Assistant coach Wim Jansen and technical director Peter Bosz have also stepped down, meaning that Leon Vlemmings will lead the side against Verbeek's former employers SC Heerenveen on Friday. The 38-year-old has acted as Verbeek's assistant since the summer having previously held posts at PSV Eindhoven, NAC Breda and the Netherlands Under-19s, as well as a stint at the helm of second-division FC Eindhoven.