Gullit rattles FC Utrecht after disastrous start and heavy defeats

In the early moments of the new Eredivisie campaign, former Dutch star Ruud Gullit watched FC Utrecht stumble, shocked by a 2‑1 loss to FC Groningen followed by a 1‑4 drubbing by AZ, and declared the side “terribly bad” as the Domstad club’s season faltered.

After a meagre pre‑season camp, the Domstad side fell 2‑1 to FC Groningen and then 1‑4 to AZ in successive matches, signalling a weak start.

European hopes dashed

FC Utrecht fought to the end of last season for a European ticket, reaching the play‑off final only to be beaten by Ajax, ending their Europees ambitions.

The club’s loss in the penalty‑shootout in Volendam sparked a wave of changes, with the management reshuffling shortly afterwards.

Gullit’s blunt assessment

Trainer Ron Jans was replaced by Anthony Correia as the new head coach.

Verweij dismisses Ajax interest in Danjuma amid swirling Dutch rumors

Anthony Correia arrives after a great season at Telstar, a fact highlighted by Gullit.

Several veteran players departed during the overhaul, further altering the squad composition.

“I was really surprised and outraged by Utrecht’s level. They were so terribly bad,” Gullit said. “I thought while watching: what are they doing? They couldn’t even pass two balls to each other.”

He added that the performance in Groningen was “not very good” and described the defeat to AZ as “terribly bad.”

After two rounds, the transfer window remains open, and Gullit hopes the club awakens, suggesting they may need to look beyond football to improve.