€10 million Feyenoord signing is unhappy and reports to Giovanni van Bronckhorst

Sem Steijn is finding life hard in a reserve role at Feyenoord, as he told the cameras of ESPN. The midfielder, who was still starting games as captain last season, has also spoken to head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Against ADO Den Haag on Sunday, Steijn was once again named on the bench. He ended up playing the whole second half, taking his season total to 63 minutes. He feels that is still far too little.

"Yes, of course I came to Feyenoord to play, and to compete for trophies. I would have liked to see this differently. I have to keep fighting and wait for my chance. Then I have to take it."

Reporter Sinclair Bischop then asks whether Steijn also went to head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst for an explanation. "Yes, of course," he replies. "What his explanation was? That stays in-house."

Still, Steijn made it clear he wants more minutes, but only at Feyenoord. "It is clear that I want to stay. I came here to compete for trophies, to experience Champions League nights. That is why I want to play for this club."

Right now, Van Bronckhorst is going with a midfield that features two number 10s, but there is no place for Steijn in it. Luciano Valente and Gjivai Zechiël are getting the nod. Against Go Ahead Eagles, Steijn also came on as a number 6.

Last summer, Steijn joined from FC Twente for €10 million and signed a contract at De Kuip until mid-2029. So far, he has not been able to live up to the high expectations.