Now that everyone has given their opinion about Arne Slot’s transfer to Liverpool FC, the end of the season is approaching and the rumors about a new trainer will have to wait a while, the news surrounding Feyenoord has immediately become a lot quieter. Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Santiago Gimenez appeared together in an extensive interview at Ziggo Sports and in it they spoke of their good friendship.
“I went to Europe early and I know how important it is to get the first impression of the group and of your teammates,” says Jahanbakhsh in conversation on the talk show about building a bond and guiding his teammates. “I tried to be there for Santi. I knew he came from a different environment and a different culture.”
“I think it’s important that when you come to a new club, especially in Europe, you immediately feel at home. Because you’re away from your family, your friends, the things you’re used to.” Especially with the young players in the selection, it is regularly visible that Jahanbakhsh is there for them. “I try that with most young players, but with Santi it was easier because he was very open. The first impression of both of us was very nice.”
Jahanbakhsh does all this because of his own past experience. He found the transition to NEC very difficult as a young player. “As a forward player there also has to be some kind of connection. And we had that connection on the field and we tried on the field, but also off the field. I was always the first to go to them to make sure they felt felt good on and off the field, to give them a good feeling.”
New group
Gimenez is very happy with the bond he has with Jahanbakhsh. “When I came, almost everyone was new and no one knew each other. That’s why the bond immediately started to grow with the coach and the players. In every team there are always small groups. Only these small groups were not so isolated from each other. We were one big group and that’s why we won the Eredivisie last season. From the start I had a very strong feeling that this team would make history.”
Although the group immediately felt good, Gimenez found it extremely exciting to make the step to Europe. “You are ten hours by plane from your family, but the first flight was great because I always said that my dream was to play in Europe. Then I had the opportunity to come. Everything was really new for me “I remember the first training I gave it my all and the next day I couldn’t move. You don’t really think about the fear. You just let it happen.”
