NOS Football•today, 1:48 PM
PSV’s national title is not yet official and FC Twente has not yet finalized the title in the women’s premier league. Tonight the champagne in Tilburg may be uncorked. Not for a title, but for promotion.
“It’s happening in the entire city. Everyone wants to go back. If it works now, it will provide relief and peace,” says head of Willem II’s youth academy Arjan Swinkels, who played in the first team for eight years.
If Willem II, leader in the first division, wins tonight against number three FC Groningen, the Tilburg team can no longer miss a place in the first two. The best two teams are promoted directly to the Premier League.
“It will be a difficult game. Groningen is in the best shape. On the other hand, they have to, while Willem II does not have to. Groningen is going to follow its own concept and I am curious how Willem II will play. I don’t think Willem II If the score is tied, you will take a lot of risks, because then you keep the four-point gap,” said Swinkels.
Healthy tension
For Willem II it would be the third promotion of this century. After relegations in 2011 and 2013, the club jumped back to the top level the following year. This time Willem II needs an extra year. Last season the club finished fourth, and immediately lost to VVV Venlo in the play-offs.
Clubman Swinkels is not very nervous. “But I do have a healthy tension. I think everyone at Willem II felt that it is a crucial year to get promoted. Now you can reward yourself with that. It is not all or nothing, but it would be very nice if it were the first match would be a success.”
“If it doesn’t work out today, there are two more matches. It’s a different kind of pressure than if you really have to, but it would be very nice if it works out today. And it’s nice that it’s against a direct competitor, so you can show you that you deserve it.”
Football on Saturday and Sunday
The fact that Swinkels, by his own choice, will leave as head of youth training after this season makes no difference in terms of feeling. “I am also just a supporter, I would like to see football played in Tilburg on Saturdays and Sundays, against the best clubs in the Netherlands.”
According to Swinkels, an injection of quality will be needed to be competitive in the Premier League next year. “That is a very nice challenge for the club. There is a new wind with a new general and technical director. If they lay a good foundation for a longer period, I think it is quite possible. It will be an interesting and important period for the club.”
The 39-year-old former defender will not be in the stadium, he and his family are away in Spain for a few days. “I’ll turn on the live stream later. We’ll follow it under the sun.”
Will all of Gran Canaria hear when the promotion has been received? “That chance is there, especially with my two boys, there is a lot of cheering.”
