The Netherlands is famed for its football philosophy, but the English Premier League has proved a tricky arena for Dutch managers. While their ideas and achievements at home and abroad often command respect, replicating that success in the fast-paced Premier League has been another story.
Let’s revisit the journeys of the nine Dutch managers who’ve graced the league, ranked from the least impactful to those who left a lasting impression.
Below Are The Premier League's Best Dutch Managers of All-time
9. Frank de Boer – Crystal Palace (2017)
Four games, zero goals, and a record-breaking early dismissal. Frank de Boer’s ill-fated stint at Crystal Palace remains a cautionary tale of mismatched expectations. Hailed for his pedigree as a player and a promising managerial career at Ajax, his rigid approach proved incompatible with Palace’s squad.
His ill-fated reign was one of the shortest in Premier League history, and he was sacked after just 77 days. The ex-Barcelona and Ajax player is often remembered for his inability to adapt to the Premier League's demands.
8. Rene Meulensteen – Fulham (2013-2014)
Rene Meulensteen, a trusted former assistant of Sir Alex Ferguson, seemed ready to turn his experience into successful management. Instead, his time at Fulham was marred by chaos. Taking over mid-season, he struggled to galvanise a sinking ship. Though there were flashes of promise, Fulham ultimately dropped out of the league, leaving Meulensteen without a chance to prove his worth.
7. Dick Advocaat – Sunderland (2015-2016)
Brought in to save Sunderland, Dick Advocaat delivered short-term success by avoiding relegation in dramatic style during the 2014/15 season. However, the veteran coach seemed to lose his spark the following year, resigning early into the campaign. Advocaat’s exit reflected Sunderland’s deeper struggles rather than his abilities, but his brief tenure remains largely forgettable.
6. Ruud Gullit – Chelsea & Newcastle United (1996-1999)
Ruud Gullit brought glamour and charisma to the Premier League, first as a player-manager at Chelsea and later at Newcastle. While his tenure included FA Cup success at Chelsea, his managerial reign often felt more like an off-field spectacle.
At Newcastle, his fallout with Alan Shearer and erratic decision-making led to his dismissal. Gullit’s legacy is more about the iconic moments than consistent results.
5. Martin Jol – Spurs & Fulham (2004-07 & 2011-13)
Martin Jol’s Premier League career is remembered for his steady leadership, particularly at Tottenham Hotspur, where he helped the club secure two fifth-place finishes.
His time at Spurs ended in 2007 after a poor start to the season, but Jol rebounded at Fulham, where he kept the club mid-table. Though he didn’t win any major trophies, Jol was a consistent performer and deserves recognition for stabilising teams during transitional periods.
4. Erik ten Hag – Manchester United (2022-2024)
Erik ten Hag's time at Manchester United started with great promise. His first season brought two cup finals [winning the Carabao Cup] and a top-four finish, signalling the start of something positive at Old Trafford.
In his second season, United experienced mixed results, leaving fans frustrated by the team's inconsistency. While Ten Hag guided them to an FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City at Wembley in May, the club's disappointing eighth-place finish in the league overshadowed the triumph.
Heading into his third season, expectations were high, but a poor start to the 2024-25 campaign saw United languishing in 14th place after nine games. Following home defeats to Liverpool and Spurs, and a team that seemed directionless, Ten Hag was relieved of his duties and replaced by Ruben Amorim.
3. Ronald Koeman – Southampton & Everton (2014-2017)
Ronald Koeman’s time in the Premier League is a mixed bag. At Southampton, he led the team to its best-ever league finish, securing 6th place and European football. His decision to leave for Everton, however, proved to be a mistake.
While he initially had a positive start, his tenure at Goodison Park ended in disappointment, with Koeman sacked after a poor run of results. Nonetheless, his achievements at Southampton make him one of the more successful Dutch managers in the league.
2. Louis van Gaal – Manchester United (2014-2016)
Louis van Gaal took on the immense task of succeeding David Moyes and stepping into the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. While his football wasn’t always entertaining, it was disciplined and structured, helping the team win the 2016 FA Cup.
Van Gaal’s tenure had its frustrations, particularly due to his conservative tactics and failure to deliver a Premier League title, however, he left behind a more organised and functional United compared to what we see today.
1. Guus Hiddink – Chelsea (2009, 2015 - Interim)
Guus Hiddink may not have been a permanent signing in the Premier League, but his impact was undeniable. His calm demeanour and tactical acumen made him a beloved figure among Chelsea fans. In 2009, he took over Chelsea on an interim basis and led them to FA Cup glory, remaining unbeaten throughout his tenure.
His second spell in 2015 helped stabilise a struggling Chelsea team, guiding them to a mid-table finish after José Mourinho’s departure. Hiddink’s ability to rescue Chelsea at their lowest points was unparalleled, earning him the top spot on our list.
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