Several Dutch managers have made their mark in the Premier League despite yet lifting the Premier League trophy.
The Dutch managers have been all over the news in the 2024/25 campaign. The arrival of Arne Slot in Anfield began their emergence in the headline, followed by Erik Ten Hag’s initial stay before his dismissal. Then, the former Manchester United star, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, was named on an interim basis in Old Trafford before Ruben Amorim arrived. He was then appointed to take charge of Leicester City as he left the caretaker post.
As the season goes on, Arne Slot becomes the frontrunner in the title race. The former Feyenoord boss could be the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League in history. Such should not be out of reach, as The Reds are currently on the top of the table with only two and four points clear from Chelsea and Arsenal, respectively, but with one game extra in hand.
Perhaps it is too soon to say that Slot can win the league in his first year, as the season is just entering its crucial phase with the upcoming Boxing Day fixtures. Liverpool’s consistency will be tested in the second half of the campaign. Nevertheless, Slot is already one of the most notable Dutch gaffers in the EPL, alongside Erik Ten Hag, who managed to deliver the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his spell in Manchester.
Here are the other notable Dutch managers in Premier League history, who at least clinched one title during their stay. Surprisingly, one of them was working as a caretaker twice.
Famous Dutch Managers in Premier League History
Ruud Gullit
The former Netherlands star in the late 1980s to early 1990s was probably the one who started the wave of Dutch managers in the Premier League. He was at the helm of two EPL sides, Chelsea and Newcastle United, from 1996 to 1999.
He was initially named player-manager in the 1996/97 season and made a positive start. The Blues might have only finished sixth on the table, but the former PSV and AC Milan man was able to deliver the FA Cup in his managerial debut. It was the first major trophy at Stamford Bridge in 26 years. Chelsea’s notable games under Gullit were when they picked up an away 3-2 win over Manchester United and two home victories against Liverpool in the league and FA Cup. Unfortunately, his stint came to an abrupt end as he was sacked in early 1998 due to his disagreement with the management.
His next spell with The Magpies was not as remarkable as expected. The former midfielder did bring them to the FA Cup final in 1999 before losing 2-0 to Manchester United, but Newcastle’s form in the domestic league was disappointing since Alan Shearer and Co. only sat 13th. Gullit’s time in the Tyneside eventually did not last long as he was dismissed because of his conflict with two key players in the squad, Robert Lee and Alan Shearer.
Louis Van Gaal
Louis Van Gaal is undoubtedly one of the most successful Dutch managers in history. He always delivers trophies for each of his clubs, from the top teams to Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, to the lesser-known ones like AZ Alkmaar. The Amsterdam-born gaffer has lifted the Champions League and UEFA Cup trophies as well.
His stint in England was fine but not a glittering one. The former Netherlands boss in three different eras was named Manchester United manager in 2014. The fans hoped that he could bring back the old glory days of The Red Devils under Sir Alex Ferguson. Yet, what he was only able to do was to steady the ship. United was still trophy less in his first season but finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League. His team’s notable games in that season were when they crushed Manchester City 4-2 at home and Arsenal and Liverpool on the road.
In the second season, 2015/16, Van Gaal, in general, had a better campaign as David de Gea and Co. clinched the FA Cup title. However, their form in the Premier League was slightly declining. Manchester United only finished fifth, which missed the Champions League spot. No wonder that he was dismissed at the end of the season.
Guus Hiddink
Hiddink is one of the few exceptional Dutch managers with a remarkable record in the club and national teams. He has a reputation for fixing and improving the non-elite teams. The former Real Madrid, Real Betis, and Valencia boss did it with PSV Eindhoven as he led them to snatch the European Cup in 1988, which remains their only silverware in the continental top tier. He also guided South Korea to reach the semifinals in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, as well as Russia to the EURO 2008 semifinals. Hiddink even managed to bring Australia to the round of 16 for the first time in World Cup history back in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
In England, the former midfielder during his player years was appointed to take over Chelsea twice as the interim manager. The first one in the 2008/09 campaign, he was able to lead The Blues to finish third in the league, reach the semifinals in the Champions League by losing only on the away goal rule against the eventual champions, Barcelona, and win the FA Cup. John Terry and Co. only slumped to a defeat once during his tenure.
Meanwhile, the second one was in the middle of the 2015/16 season. This time, it was a harder campaign with less positive results. Chelsea dropped to 16th place when he took charge. The Dutch boss could only guide them to finish 10th in the end without any silverware in hand . Eden Hazard and Co. also suffered more defeats compared to his previous stint in London.