NOS Football•today, 8:26 PM
If the license is retained, Vitesse will play in the first division next year. But that is not going to happen with Marco van Ginkel. The captain, who grew up at the Arnhem club, does not see himself playing football in the first division. “The chance that I will still be here next year is not very good.”
The 31-year-old Van Ginkel went through the entire youth academy of Vitesse and made his debut in the first team in 2010 as a 17-year-old talent. After playing in the main squad for three years, the footballer from Scherpenzeel left for Chelsea and then returned to the club he loves so much after ten years. But that return did not last long.
“I assume that’s the end of the story. My contract is up and then I won’t be here officially anymore.”
Look here at the response from Marco van Ginkel and Edward Sturing:
Van Ginkel will not continue with Vitesse in the first division: ‘Artificial grass is a major issue’
This is mainly due to the fact that Van Ginkel has had problems with his knee for years. He often skips matches on artificial grass. There are many artificial grass fields in the first division.
“I don’t like the artificial grass, no. That is a very big issue. I also don’t think I will stay here with a position in the staff, because I would like to continue playing football for a while.”
‘Painful to experience’
The midfielder leaves his club with a lot of pain. The club also has to ensure that the professional license is retained as Vitesse is in great concern, especially financially. “I of course have a bond with the club. So it is painful and disappointing to experience what is happening now.”
Will Vitesse still exist? ‘A lot of water still needs to flow through the Rhine’
Coach Edward Sturing also has that bond with the club. Sturing, who has been with Vitesse since the 1980s, is very concerned about the future.
“The question of whether Vitesse will still exist next year is very painful. I have been here most of my life. I have been through everything, but the fact that you are now on the edge of the abyss is the low point. It is terrible if things go wrong and I’m very concerned about that.”
Steering remains
But while Van Ginkel closes the door behind him, Sturing wants to continue working at Papendal. Not as head coach, but in another position. “I had already decided that I would not stay as head coach. But if we stay upright, I would like to help the club get back on track.”
Vitesse has now held discussions with John van den Brom for the position of head coach. Director Edwin Reijntjes confirms this. “It would be very nice if John van den Brom returns and that there is something positive to report here.”
