There is great joy at FC Twente now that the club has secured European football again after eight years. The Enschede team secured fourth place in the Eredivisie on an evening that was dominated by the deceased Jody Lukoki.
The home game with FC Groningen (3-0 win) was preceded by an impressive tribute to Lukoki, who passed away on Monday at the age of 29. The attacker was no longer under contract with Twente since February, but was still recovering from a knee injury.
“This tribute was very worthy. Jody’s son was on the field with Virgil Misidjan. They sometimes talk about fate, karma, or whatever you call it. Maybe he helped us,” said Twente trainer Ron Jans afterwards against ESPN†
Initially, the FC Twente players thought that they were not yet sure of fourth place. During the lap of honour, however, it was announced that competitor AZ gave away the victory against FC Utrecht deep in extra time, after which a big party broke out in the Grolsch Veste. Supporters took to the field.
“It is so bizarre. It was 1-2 in Utrecht and we suddenly heard that there was another goal. I had already said in the dressing room: ‘Then we should win in De Kuip next week’. That is still allowed, but it’s no longer necessary. We’re going into Europe and we’ve earned it.”
The match in Enschede was preceded by an impressive tribute to Jody Lukoki.
The match in Enschede was preceded by an impressive tribute to Jody Lukoki. Photo: Pro Shots
‘This gives so much momentum’
The 63-year-old Jans, who has been employed by FC Twente since 2020 and still has a contract for one year, is looking forward to entering Europe with the club. Twente will play in the third preliminary round of the Conference League in the new season.
“This gives so much zest. The appearance of the club is so great, we confirmed that this year. Players now prefer to play at this club, sponsors think: I want to belong to this,” Jans said about the near future of FC Twente.
“It is almost impossible for more supporters to enter, but I would say: buy a season ticket quickly, otherwise I think it will be sold out. What a people here.”
FC Twente will close the season on Sunday with an away match against Feyenoord, which will finish third. The team from Rotterdam is looking forward to the final of the Conference, which will be played on May 25. AS Roma is the opponent in this.
View the results, the position and the program in the Eredivisie