John Guidetti’s loan spell at Feyenoord during the 2011–12 season was possibly one of the most spectacular short-term loan stints in Eredivisie history. The 19-year-old Swedish striker joined from Manchester City and instantly became a massive fan favorite, scoring an astonishing 20 goals in just 23 Eredivisie matches.
He scored no less than three hat-tricks during the season, including a memorable performance in a 4-2 victory over fierce rivals Ajax.
Feyenoord had finished in a dismal 10th place the previous year, but Guidetti's goal spree allowed the Rotterdam club, with Ronald Koeman in charge, to dream of upstaging Ajax for the title. In the middle of February 2012, Feyenoord faced Waalwijk when Guidetti made a fatal mistake after scoring a penalty ten minutes from the end by taking off his shirt.
Since he had already been booked, referee Danny Makkelie issued a second yellow card, sending him off. RKC Waalwijk then capitalized on their numerical advantage to equalize three minutes from the end, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Dropping two points at home to Waalwijk and having their leading goalscorer suspended in the next game, PSV proved highly consequential in a tight championship race as Feyenoord finished six points behind Ajax.
Today, Ronald Koeman, who was Feyenoord's coach back then, says that he has forgiven Guidetti. "I can laugh about it now. At the time, I couldn't do it", said Koeman when he visited the Swedish TV4 studio ahead of the clash against Sweden. "He was fantastic. He is a fantastic person, and he was incredibly good for his young age. He did a lot for Feyenoord."
Koeman then subsequently sent a personal regard to Guidetti. "They (Feyenoord and the club's supporters) love him. I love him. Everything is okay, John."
During his appearance on TV4, Koeman also spoke of his relationship with former Swedish international striker Henrik Larsson, who was Koeman's assistant coach during his time as coach of FC Barcelona.
Koeman had previously mentioned that he intended to contact Larsson to get information about the Swedish national team. But in the studio, he said that he had changed his mind not to put Larsson in an awkward position.
"I have not spoken to him. He is Swedish and will be cheering for Sweden. I do not want to cause him any problems. But after the match, I will send him a text message", Koeman said with a smile.
The Netherlands shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw against Japan in their World Cup debut, while Sweden won against Tunisia 5-1.