There is no lack of confidence at Telstar. After ten games in the Premier League, the club still exudes enthusiasm. The penultimate place in the Premier League does not detract from this. “Nobody expected us to be in the Premier League at all. We have slightly fewer points than we should have,” says Ronald Koeman Jr.
Telstar has collected seven points after ten games. They won against PSV and Go Ahead Eagles and the match with FC Volendam ended in a draw. “I think we can add six points,” says Koeman, who notes that Telstar has lost many games by one goal. “We can resist everyone,” says coach Anthony Correia about Telstar’s first ten matches in the Premier League.
This indicates that the differences are small. This also happened last weekend against Sparta (1-0). “We were not inferior. We have had more games, including against Groningen and Heerenveen,” says the goalkeeper. “The difference with the top is not very big either. It is only Feyenoord and PSV that stand out. But on a good day you can beat anyone, even on a bad day,” Koeman Jr. laughs.
Cruyffian Correia
Yet there is an important match for Telstar on the program next weekend. Excelsior visits Velsen-Zuid. The Kralingers have only two points more and are one spot higher in the rankings. Both teams were promoted from the first division to the premier league last season. “Many players have come and gone,” coach Anthony Correia answers when asked whether the two teams still resemble last season.
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In approaching the match, Correia refers to a statement by Johan Cruijff. “Football is simple, but the hardest thing there is to play simple football,” he once said. “Let’s keep it simple. And do it very well,” said the trainer.
Telstar has Soufiane Hetli at its disposal against Excelsior. The creative is usable again after an injury. Neville Ogidi Nwankwo remains a doubt after his concussion. Patrick Brouwer was missing against FC Lisse due to a suspension, but will be there against Excelsior.
Telstar – Excelsior starts on Saturday evening at 9 p.m. in Velsen-Zuid. The match can be followed via our live blog, just like Feyenoord – FC Volendam and Ajax – sc Heerenveen.