In the run-up to the top match with FC Groningen, Henk Veerman and Darije Kalezić discuss the disappointing results of ADO Den Haag. Of the past six games, only one was won. The Hague club often falls behind.
Is Veerman surprised by that? ”Yes, sometimes. If you look at the selection, that should not happen, but it has not been possible to change that for eight months. We spend a lot of time on that and during training we try everything, but with too little effect,” says Veerman.
Coach Kalezić also recognizes the problem. ”The international break came at a good time, so we could analyze it thoroughly. Then it becomes clear that we are conceding far too many goals.”
Hungry ADO
ADO often shows resilience after falling behind, but the results remain disappointing. “We were the better team against Willem II (2-1 loss), and against Telstar (3-1 loss) we simply have to be the better team, that loss was the biggest blow,” said the Volendam striker.
”If you want to win games, we have to be hungry from the first minute. Not only after conceding a goal,” Kalezić continues.
Other FC Groningen
A win against Groningen means that ADO can look up in the rankings again. ”It is a crucial duel with a direct competitor. It is the last chance to join the top two places. We want to show with this team that we belong there,” says Veerman firmly.
”It is important that we play results-oriented. If we win, we are still in the race for promotion, but our competitors will be in better shape,” Kalezić is realistic.
Earlier this season, ADO won 0-1 in ‘Het Hoge Noorden’, but then there was another Groningen. ”All analysts had already made Groningen champions, but we won there as a team. Now we are dealing with a completely different and strong team. That was not the case in the first match,” says Kalezić.
Joey Veerman
Veerman watched the Dutch match last night, where his friend and PSV midfielder Joey Veerman scored his first international goal. “He scores a nice goal, doesn’t he,” Veerman laughs. ”I enjoyed talking to him and Joey after the match. Then I’ll give him some tips,” Veerman jokes. “He likes the inside of his foot, he doesn’t need any tips for it.”
