A source inside FC Volendam has revealed shocking details about the atmosphere leading up to their relegation from the Eredivisie. According to a report by Sportnieuws.nl this week, some players even refused to train during the critical final phase of last season.

What happened during the relegation battle?

The anonymous source describes a complete disintegration of the group dynamic. As the pressure mounted and relegation became more likely, the motivation within a section of the squad vanished entirely. "They didn't even want to train," the source told the news outlet. This refusal to adhere to the basic principles of professional football marked the definitive end of any realistic survival hopes. Trust among players and between the squad and staff had completely broken down.

What is FC Volendam's current situation?

The club began its rebuild in the Eerste Divisie and currently sits tenth with six points from four matches. The record shows two wins and two losses, with a recent form of WLWL. The attack is functioning well with eleven goals scored, while the defence has also been solid, conceding only five. The goal output provides hope for the rest of the campaign. The 2026 squad has been built on different foundations, with greater focus on mentality and commitment. You can find the current roster on our squad page.

What does this mean for the title race?

With their current six points, FC Volendam already trails leader MVV by six points. That gap is significant but certainly not insurmountable in a long season. The immediate focus is on improving consistency. The mixed results (WLWL) show the team can beat strong opponents but also drop points unnecessarily. The coming weeks are important to stay in touch with the chasing pack. The full league table is always available on our standings page.

What is the next step for the club?

Management and the technical staff are working on a culture where such extremes cannot happen again. The next official test is scheduled for 6 December 2026, with an away match against NAC Breda. Breda sits seventh and will be a tough opponent. All upcoming matches can be found in the fixtures planner. Processing the shock of relegation and the internal issues is an ongoing process, but the early league results show resilience. The club must now look forward and collect points to remain in the top half of the table.