Club: SBV Excelsior (commonly referred to as Excelsior)

• Country: Netherlands
• City/Region: Rotterdam (Kralingen/Crooswijk area)
• Stadium: Van Donge & De Roo Stadion (formerly Woudestein)
• Founded: 1902 (officially 23 November 1902)

Season focus: 2016/17

• Head coach/Manager: Mitchell van der Gaag
• League: Eredivisie (top tier of Dutch football)
• Notes on 2016/17: Mitchell van der Gaag was appointed as head coach for Excelsior ahead of or during the 2016/17 campaign. Excelsior competed in the Eredivisie that season, typically aiming to maintain their top-flight status and develop a competitive, often defensively organized side under van der Gaag's management.

Typical squad/playing style under van der Gaag (general):

• Emphasis on organization and discipline; pragmatic tactics to secure Eredivisie survival against stronger opponents.
• Blend of experienced pros and young local talents, with the club known for developing players and giving opportunities to loanees or academy graduates.

Relevant historical context:

• Excelsior have frequently oscillated between the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie in the 2000s and 2010s, often fighting to avoid relegation when in the top flight.
• As a smaller Rotterdam club compared to Feyenoord, Excelsior operates on a modest budget and focuses on scouting, coaching, and player development.

Sources and verification: Historical season records, Eredivisie archives, and club announcements from 2016/17 list Mitchell van der Gaag in the managerial role for Excelsior during that timeframe.