Kevin Hofland sees his new job as a trainer at Willem II as a major challenge. The coach from Brunssum must protect the Tilburgers from relegation: “A very tough job.”
Hofland gave his first interview after his appointment in the L1 program EveningGuests Sports†
Saturday
Hofland had been without a club since the dismissal at VfL Wolfsburg, until Willem II called last Saturday. “There was a conversation at my home on Sunday after Fortuna Sittard against Willem II and we came out on Monday.” The Tilburgers have only won one match of the past 19 league matches. “It is a very tough job and I see the challenge. Of course everyone knows Willem II as a club and also the enthusiastic fans, but it is above all the challenge.”
Hofland will be on the training field in North Brabant for the first time on Tuesday. “I will then get to know the technical staff. They will also lead the training. I will mainly watch and maybe talk to some people.”
Read also: Hofland new coach Willem II: ‘Knife between the teeth’
Heavy program
Willem II is in 16th place, a place that would mean play-offs for self-preservation at the end of the season. The difference with the direct relegation spots is only two points. A tough program awaits Hofland with, among others, AZ, Feyenoord, Vitesse and PSV as opponents. “It’s a very tough program. You also have to be realistic. On the other hand, it’s eight games in which we can earn 24 points, so we’re going to do everything we can.”
Fortuna Sittard
One of the competitors in the fight against relegation will be Fortuna Sittard, the club where Hofland played as well as coach. “It makes it a bit rough, but I am employed by Willem II and I will commit myself to that club. In the end I hope we stay in it and I hope that for Fortuna too.”
Experience
Former football player Roberto Lanckohr thinks it’s great that Hofland gets the chance in Tilburg. “It can be a fantastic experience for him and a very nice challenge. If he manages to forge this team, which is basically loose sand, into a team and stay in it, he will not only have a nice experience, but also a better CV.”