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Champions League

Van Bronckhorst hands armband to Givairo Read and remains doubtful about

Givairo Read was captain in the Rayo friendly, but Van Bronckhorst will only decide between Read and Tjark Ernst before the start of the Eredivisie.

11 August 2026
Van Bronckhorst hands armband to Givairo Read and remains doubtful about

Van Bronckhorst gives armband to Givairo Read and remains in doubt with

According to Vi.

Context

Givairo Read, who has been named temporary captain, will have the opportunity to showcase his leadership skills on the pitch, while Tjark Ernst also stands out as a viable option. The selection of captain is a reflection of Van Bronckhorst's strategy to strengthen the Feyenoord team in the Eredivisie, where leadership and communication are essential for success.

Why this matters

The choice of Feyenoord captain is crucial for the new Eredivisie season, especially after the departure of Timon Wellenreuther. Givairo Read, receiving the armband, demonstrates Van Bronckhorst's confidence, but the competition with Tjark Ernst indicates that the team's leadership is still under evaluation. The final decision could impact the group's dynamics and the team's performance in the league.

Main conclusions

  • Van Bronckhorst gives armband to Givairo Read and remains doubtful with.
  • Givairo Read was captain in the friendly with Rayo, but Van Bronckhorst will only decide between Read and Tjark Ernst before the start of the Eredivisie.
  • Van Bronckhorst twijfelt tussen Read in Ernst als aanvoerders.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave the captain's armband to Givairo Read this Sunday in Feyenoord's preparatory game against Rayo Vallecano, but the definitive choice of team leader for the new season has not yet been announced.

The need to define a new captain arises after the departure of Timon Wellenreuther, who wore the armband. Returning to De Kuip for a new cycle, Van Bronckhorst highlighted the importance of the decision, preferring not to rush into it. “It’s an important choice for the future and I want to take my time,” he said, explaining the option for Read in the friendly against the Spanish. "It says something about Givairo being captain now. I thought it was too early to make Tjark (Ernst) captain in his first game at De Kuip."

The coach clarified that the final decision on captaincy will be announced before the Eredivisie kicks off. Until then, the pre-season friendlies will serve to assess leadership on the pitch, communication skills and influence in the dressing room – attributes that Van Bronckhorst values ​​in a captain and which he intends to see consolidated in the final stretch of preparation.

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In the reunion with the club where he became champion in 2017, the coach was also confronted, on Feyenoord's official channel, with the possibility of repeating the feat a decade later. Van Bronckhorst responded affirmatively, but with his feet firmly on the ground, stressing that nothing can be achieved without daily work. "The possibility is always there. We believe in it. It's easy to say, but everything involves meetings, training and conversations", he said, pointing to the group's sustained growth.

The armband on Read in the test with Rayo Vallecano leaves a sign of the coach's confidence in the young player, while Tjark Ernst, recently arrived in De Kuip's environment, continues to be seriously considered for the role. For Feyenoord, the definition of the captain is a central part of the construction of a season that is intended to be competitive, with the Rotterdam team wanting to remain in the fight for the top places in the Eredivisie.

With the official calendar approaching, Van Bronckhorst prepares the final adjustments, balancing experience and ambition. The choice between Read and Ernst promises to establish leadership on the field and off it, in a Feyenoord team that is looking for a strong voice to guide the group from the start of the new season.

What happens next

Van Bronckhorst must closely observe the performance of Read and Ernst in the upcoming pre-season games before making a definitive decision on captaincy. The selection will be announced before the start of the Eredivisie, giving the coach time to assess the leadership qualities of both players. The expectation is that the decision will influence not only the team's morale, but also Feyenoord's strategy in the new season.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to the Feyenoord captain's armband?

Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave the captain's armband to Givairo Read during a warm-up match against Rayo Vallecano.

Who confirmed the selection of Givairo Read as captain?

The selection of Givairo Read as captain was confirmed by coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Why is it important now to define a new captain?

It is important to define a new captain after the departure of Timon Wellenreuther, who previously wore the armband.

What changes could occur in the Feyenoord captaincy?

The final decision on the captaincy has not yet been made, as Van Bronckhorst is also considering Tjark Ernst for the role.

When will the final decision on the Feyenoord captain be announced?

The final decision on the captain will be announced before the start of the Eredivisie.

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