FC Twente and the hand of Steve McClaren…

It’s a football bull market in Enschede and credits are due to Steve McClaren for achieving that. With his clear, consistent, human and realistic approach the former England manager has captured the hearts of players and fans.

The top 3 is clearly breaking away from the rest. And to most, Twente is the most surprising presence in that little list.

Heerenveen (6-0), ADO (2-1), Sparta (6-2) and lastly Groningen (4-1) all had to eat humble pie.

In the meantime, they also qualified for the knock out stages in Europe, beating German top team Schalke 2-1. Thursday, Twente needs to play Paris St Germain in Paris but the only thing Twente can achieve by winning is bailing out former coach Fred Rutten’s Schalke 04.

When Rutten left Twente last season, everyone feared the future. Would there be life beyond Rutten? Well, we know the answer now: YES.

Steve McClaren, puked out by the English tabloids, seems to be a bullseye hit, although his start was a bit rocky.

The English gentleman had to make a culture shift and replace important players like Engelaar (Schalke), El Ahmadi (Feyenoord) and Wikshire (Moscow).

It took time, patience and some aggrivation but the jigsaw pieces are gelled together now. With three good signings (Stam as rightback, Janssen as left midfielder and Ken Perez as playmaker), a strong Brama and super talent Arnautovic, McClaren found his ideal team.

The current playing style is a mix of business and frivolity and has that typical Dutch bravado. McClaren has the balls to play both Janssen and Perez on one midfield. Two ultimate creative players who normally don’t bother to defend. It does lead to goals by the opponent, but also much more goals for the Tukkers.

And, the players adore McClaren. Every inch a gentleman… He appears to be a superb people’s manager, one who believes in the power of a good team process. He doesn’t have a big ego, enjoys a laugh and gives his players freedom and responsibilities. But, when the group needs it, he’s also capable of rising above the group.

Twente is the proud number 3 in Holland and is still actively involved in the national cup and the european cup. At the same time, McClaren wants to play it down a bit. When Ronnie Stam was interviewed recently about a potential championship, he said he didn’t dare to answer to avoid a row with his coach…

Was it just a joke, or does it say something about the realism of McClaren, who put his feet firmly in the Twente clay. “We’re doing fine now, but cups and titles are distributed in May and not sooner. PSV, Ajax and AZ will come on top, eventually. But then again, we can still do better and improve, so you never know… That’s my challenge here.”