Former Ajax manager Maurice Steijn in pole position to return to Sparta Rotterdam following Jeroen Rijsdijk’s dismissal | OneFootball

Sparta Rotterdam have officially sacked head coach Jeroen Rijsdijk after a disappointing start to the season. The Eredivisie outfit are moving quickly to appoint a new manager, with Maurice Steijn emerging as the favourite to take over at Het Kasteel. According to De Telegraaf, Steijn’s return to Sparta is set to be completed soon.

Maurice Steijn experienced a very successful spell with Sparta Rotterdam across the 22/23 Eredivisie season. The 50-year-old initially saved the club from relegation during the previous campaign, before guiding them to a historic sixth place finish with a spot in the European playoff places.

Ajax came calling in the summer of 2023, and after a dreadful start to the season the former ADO Den Haag and NAC Breda boss was sacked after just 11 games. Sparta are looking to appoint Maurice Steijn ahead of Sunday’s crucial home clash against Utrecht. The club have recorded just two wins in 10 games this season and are yet to record a victory at home.

GBeNeFN | Jonas Fielding