Willem II appoints Streppel as new manager

Streppel returns to Willem II as permanent manager on a deal until the end of the season, replacing John Stegeman after a poor start to their Eredivisie campaign.

Willem II have appointed Jürgen Streppel as their new permanent head coach, the club announced Wednesday evening. Streppel, who previously managed the Tilburg side between 2011 and 2016 and served as technical director from 2013 to 2015, has signed a contract through the end of the season.

The appointment comes after a difficult start to Willem II's Eredivisie campaign as newly promoted side. John Stegeman was sacked following just two points from nine matches, with interim manager Adrie Koster unable to turn things around. Willem II suffered a 1-6 home defeat to Cambuur and narrowly beat Helmond Sport in the KNVB Cup.

Streppel was sacked by Cypriot club Akritas Chlorakas just three days before his appointment, having been in the role for only a month. He will take charge for Saturday's match against PSV. "Willem II is a club I know well and where I had five beautiful years," Streppel said. "Our full focus is on achieving our goal: staying up."