Steve McLaren steps down as FC Twente boss

Former England and Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has left FC Twente this morning. The Englishman couldn’t repeat his past success the second time around as the manager of the Dutch side. A poor string of results, which saw the former Eredivisie champions slide to fifth in the table after going six games without a win, culminated in McClaren’s departure.

Saturday’s 2-1 league defeat at Heerenveen seemed to have been the final nail in he coffin for the ex-England manager. Talks with president Joop Munsterman over the weekend failed to provide McClaren with the assurances that he had been seeking.

McClaren said in a statement:

“After the defeat to Heerenveen on Saturday, I met the President on Sunday. We tried to find a solution to the difficult period the team has endured over the last four weeks.

“We discussed the expectations of the club, how European qualification was key each season and finishing in the top four. Despite being joint top at the winter break and even second four weeks ago, recent results and performances have seen major criticism, protest and demonstration from the supporters and the media.

“We talked about how we could change the situation and relieve the pressure on the team which has clearly affected its performance. Unfortunately, Saturday’s result has seen further adverse reactions and with two home games coming up, we feel the team needs the support and backing from the supporters.

“I also needed assurances about my position now and in the future, which I appreciate in the present situation is difficult. After much discussion and deliberation, those assurances weren’t forthcoming and we have agreed it’s in the best interest of the club going forward that I leave.

“The club is bigger than any one individual and Twente is too big in my heart to stand in the way of its progress. I leave with the team with 10 games to go, still able to achieve its expectations of a top-four finish, which I am positive they will do.

“I leave a proud man to have managed Twente. It has brought me many good memories and one of the greatest days in my career when winning the title in 2010. The support received from the club, staff, players and fans has always been much appreciated and I leave sad and disappointed it has ended in these circumstances, but wish the staff and the team success in the future.”

McClaren was in his second spell as FC Twente manager after leading them to a famous league title in 2010. Twente remain a point behind Vitesse Arnhem and a further five from leaders PSV Eindhoven. The Tukkers, however, failed to record a win since their triumph over AZ Alkmaar on December 21, collecting 4 points from a possible 18.