Marcel Brands has responded with a statement to his departure as Director of football at Everton. It was announced on Sunday that the former PSV manager has resigned from his duties with immediate effect. According to Brands, there is a “clear difference in the club’s vision and direction for the future”. The news of the departure came somewhat unexpectedly, as the 59-year-old Brands recently extended his ongoing contract until mid-2024.
According to Brands, the decision to leave was the result of a conversation last Friday. “After a personal meeting with the chairman and my fellow board members, we have agreed that I will step down as director of football and as a member of the board of Everton,” the statement read on the club’s website. “This decision has taken some time and consideration and has been one of the most difficult I have encountered in my career. The board and I agree that there is a clear difference in the vision and direction of this great club and with that in mind is this decision.”
Brands would have disagreed with the appointment of trainer Rafael Benítez, who discussed player matters directly with owner Fahrad Moshiri. Everton have been particularly disappointing in the Premier League and have failed to win in their last eight games. Last Wednesday, Benítez’s team suffered a painful defeat at home against fellow city rivals and arch-rival Liverpool (1-4). “I want to thank everyone at the club with whom I have worked closely over the past three and a half years,” Brands continues. “There are many talented people at Everton with a huge passion and dedication to help the club move forward, both on and off the pitch.”
Brands also addresses the player group. “I want to wish the team every success and I am convinced that there is enough quality to quickly improve the current situation,” the sports director refers to the current 16th place in the Premier League. “It has been an honor for me to work for this fantastic club and I wish everyone involved with Everton all the very best for the future.” Everton, which has confirmed the departure through official channels, added that a strategic review is underway to determine the club’s long-term goals for the future.”
On Sunday evening, Brands was greeted by the dinner guests of Rondo put forward as a candidate at the KNVB to succeed departing Nico-Jan Hoogma as director of top football next summer. “In terms of timing, the departure of Brands could be very convenient, because Nico-Jan Hoogma will leave next summer”, presenter Wytse van der Goot broached the subject. “So there must be a successor. Would Brands be a good option for that?” Gullit doesn’t think that’s a crazy idea. “He does have experience.”
“I think he must be one of the candidates,” Ronald de Boer responded to the suggestion. Marco van Basten reacted somewhat cynically. “At the KNVB, he does not have to buy any players in any facade,” said Van Basten with a wink. He thereby made a reference to a video from last Wednesday, which shows Brands being pointed out in fierce terms by an outraged Everton supporter of his failing purchase policy after the lost city derby against Liverpool. “Get out of this club! Get out! Did you get these players? This was an all-time low. What a terrible game,” the fan yelled as Brands left the stands.