The 2014–15 season was Feyenoord's 107th season of play, it marked its 59th season in the Eredivisie and its 93rd consecutive season in the top flight of Dutch football. It was first season with manager Fred Rutten. The club was busy during the summer transfer window, selling or releasing of 12 players and signing 13 new players. Feyenoord had a bad start of the season, dropping to 15th place in the league after losing three and drawing two of its first six league games. They played only the second round of the KNVB Cup; they were knocked out by Go Ahead Eagles. The club also lasted a single round in the Champions League; the third qualifying round consisted of two losses to Beşiktaş. They reached the Europa League group stage by beating FC Zorya Luhansk 4–3 at home after an away draw. The team improved after this early showing. A five-game winning streak catapulted them to third place in the Eredivisie by mid fall. They also reached the knockout phase of the Europa League by beating Standard Liège, HNK Rijeka and title holders Sevilla in the group phase. They went into the winter break placed third in the league.

The 2013–14 season was Feyenoord's 106th season of play, it marked its 58th season in the Eredivisie and its 92nd consecutive season in the top flight of Dutch football. They ended their league campaign as runners-up. They entered the KNVB Cup in the second round and reached the quarter-final. Their Europa League appearance consisted of the play-off round. It was the third straight season with manager Ronald Koeman, who did not renew his contract at the conclusion of the season.