How Fortuna's successful manager Buijs reaches 'boys who colour outside the lines'

Fortuna Sittard manager Danny Buijs, a former street fighter, connects with difficult young players by recognizing himself in them and using personal conversations to build trust.

Fortuna Sittard manager Danny Buijs has developed a reputation for reaching players labeled as troublemakers—from creative midfielder Mohammed Ihattaren to young midfielder Shiloh 't Zand—by drawing on his own past. The 44-year-old, who played as a tough, aggressive defender for Feyenoord, FC Groningen and ADO Den Haag, was a shy child from the small town of Alblasserdam before personal tragedies in his teens transformed him. The loss of his grandfather at twelve and his aunt at sixteen, combined with exposure to the rougher culture of Rotterdam's streets, changed him from a timid boy to someone who sought out intensity and adrenaline.

Now as a manager, Buijs uses that understanding to connect with young players from difficult backgrounds. He begins conversations with troubled players by saying: "I think I can read you well. I'll help you, give you trust, but when needed I'll also be hard on you." He emphasizes the importance of personal connection before signing players, asking what they expect from him and what they want to achieve. Buijs believes modern football requires more focus on the human element than tactics, as players face unprecedented pressure from media attention and social media.

He credits players like Arjen Robben, whom he played alongside at FC Groningen, as examples of those who maximize their potential through discipline and self-care.