The hockey players of HC ‘s-Hertogenbosch have been supreme in the big league for years. This season the Den Bosch train is not yet running as desired and the team is in a disappointing fifth place. Will the residents of Den Bosch still be okay? Five statements for former national coach Herman Kruis from Bavel, who won eight national titles with the Den Bosch hockey women in the period 2000-2008.
In seven league games, there have already been two defeats and two draws. There is a crisis in Den Bosch.
“I don’t think you should panic immediately, but I do know that it runs very deep in the players. They hate losing or drawing and that is also their strength. They really want to do everything they can to win again.”
With so much quality in the selection, such a dip in form should never happen.
“I am not surprised that it happens once in a while. You have been at the top for about 25 years, it is not due to the quality. It is possible that in such a long season the focus and concentration decrease a bit. Sometimes you have matches in which you have the feeling that you are going to win anyway. You must prevent that, you must never slacken at this level. If you do that, you are cutting into your own flesh.”
If your performance is lower, you have to train even harder.
“When I was a trainer in Den Bosch, it was sometimes necessary to put the girls on edge. Together you have to ensure that the focus returns and that everyone realizes that you have to be there every match. That you show the mentality that belongs to Den Bosch. And by that I mean that losing is not an option. All girls are trained in that culture.”
“It’s great that you won prizes, but you’re starting from zero.”
As a champion, cup and Euro Hockey League winner, a lot of changes are unnecessary.
“In my time we also became champions every year, but we still came after a championship as a staff and key players a week together. Those sessions were the basis for the new season. What did we have to change to become even better? It’s great that you won prizes, but in a new season you start from zero. You have to continue to surprise the competition and stay one step ahead. It’s often in the details. Compare it with Femke Bol, who made a small step adjustment between the hurdles and then went a lot faster.”
This season, HC ‘s-Hertogenbosch can forget about the 24th national title.
“They are definitely going to play play-offs, these are start-up problems. I remember that in my first season in Den Bosch I had a selection with many changes. We finished fourth in the competition, but we ‘just’ became national champions.”
Next match
HC ‘s-Hertogenbosch will play at home against Hurley on Sunday, October 26 at 12.45 pm.