FC Groningen readies season with friendlies as FC Twente appoints Erik ten Hag technical director

FC Groningen's 2026/27 preseason programme features a series of friendly matches. After training in Delden the club will face FC Emmen on 11 July in Musselkanaal, followed by games against Greek sides AEK Athens (18 July) and Volos NFC (25 July), before concluding with a match versus Spanish side Real Valladolid on 1 August at Euroborg. Ticket information and an after‑party were announced for the Emmen fixture.

In a separate test, Groningen lost 2‑1 to Heracles Almelo in Delden, with Brynjólfur Willumsson scoring the opening goal. The report noted several lineup changes and highlighted that technical director Mo Allach sees work ahead to strengthen the squad.

Meanwhile, FC Twente announced Erik ten Hag as its new technical director. Ten Hag, formerly of Manchester United, said the club must raise its standards, describing the goal as “good is not good enough, it must always be better.” He outlined plans for a stadium expansion, a new training complex and an ambition to become a regular participant in European competition, emphasizing culture and performance as priorities.