Dream come true for new VZV trainer Edwin Janssen: “Wanted to work in the north”

You have inherited Rolf Schulte’s legacy. How do you think the club is doing?

I have nothing to complain about. Everything is well organized here. I also don’t have to start all over again like I had to do in the past at my previous club V&L in Geleen. The organization is rock solid. The selection, the clothing, the hall, the physical training, you notice that everything is in order. There is a lot of attention for all matters related to handball and that is good.

Last year, VZV had to avoid relegation. What is the realistic goal for this season?

We want to make the connection with the top 5 again. Last season, VZV performed below their level. When I look at the players we have in the squad, we have more than enough talent. The focus is to go for the championship pool. So that’s the top 8. Besides, I think we’re in a good position given the competition. But I also want more youth to participate this season. I am also someone who can fit that in well. In the short term you want to return to the top 5, but you also have to think about the long term and ensure a good flow of talent.

You also live and work in Limburg. How do you combine that with VZV?

It is of course impossible to drive 260 kilometers there and back every day. That’s why I’m coming to ‘t Veld on Wednesday and staying here overnight and then I’m going home again on Sunday. I have also arranged it with my other employer so that I work three days in Limburg and two days from North Holland.

You said earlier that it was a dream for you to train a club outside of Limburg and ‘above the rivers’. Why?

I was also national coach for two years at the youth and then you notice the difference in terms of mentality among players and people think differently about handball. In Limburg they are just like here blood fanatic, but they are also a bit softer. You get a rebuttal less often and I want a team that thinks along.

Every summer it is a coming and going of players. How is that at VZV this year?

It turned out great. Noëlle Kistemaker has come from SEW and Maud Kruier has stopped due to a knee injury. I have spoken with the club about new players, but if you want to get someone it must be an added value. Moreover, most of the top players were already placed with the larger clubs. Moreover, we have enough talent in both ladies 1 and ladies 2 that I think our selection is strong enough.

How important is captain Jane Kramer to VZV and what other strongholds do you have at your disposal?

You notice everything that Jane is a real leader. She is an extension of the trainer. She thinks along about the game and when she talks everyone listens. Moreover, she is very experienced and therefore very important to us. In addition, the experience of Meike van Splunter also plays an important role and in Pien van der Geest we have someone who has already played a World Cup with the youth.

The competition for VZV starts on Saturday with an away match against fellow provinceman Volendam. What can we expect?

Last Sunday we won big against Volendam (33-17, ed.) at NH Cup, but they did not play with their strongest selection. They had left many players at home because they had also just had a training camp. I therefore expect a completely different game on Saturday with two teams that will be evenly matched.

The game between HV Volendam and VZV in Sporthal Opperdam starts on Saturday at 7 p.m.