Struggling Sparta Rotterdam sack head coach Jeroen Rijsdijk | OneFootball

Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam have officially parted ways with head coach Jeroen Rijsdijk following an underwhelming start to the season. The 47-year-old’s year-and-a-half tenure at Het Kasteel has come to an end, making him the first Eredivisie manager to be sacked this season.

On Thursday night, Rijsdijk guided Sparta to a 6-1 KNVB Cup win over amateur side USV Hercules, though five of their goals came in extra time, raising some eyebrows. The victory was also Sparta’s first since September, and they’re yet to record a home win this season. After 10 games, Sparta sit 11th in the table with just two wins, only three points above the bottom three.

Jeroen Rijsdijk’s successor is expected to be announced soon, with former Ajax boss Maurice Steijn lined up to return to his former side. At the start of the season, the board set out the goal to qualify for European football this season. That now looks to be a tricky task given their poor start to the season, although Europa Conference League play-offs are an achievable target. Sparta face third place Utrecht at home this Sunday.

GBeNeFN | Jonas Fielding