At FC Volendam the starting position is becoming bleaker by the week. The New Orange lost again against a direct competitor (0-1 against Fortuna Sittard) and is again struggling to make the game. Yet coach Regillio Simons sees progress in his team. “I see different football than before.”
In the first three matches of 2024, FC Volendam scored only one goal. Only against Heracles Almelo (1-1) was there a goal to celebrate. The home crowd could not cheer in the home games against Almere City (0-1 loss) and Fortuna Sittard (0-1 loss). “We are knitting,” says defender Benaissa Benamar.
Against Fortuna, Volendam produced only one goal attempt before the break. Immediately after half-time, a goal from Inigo Cordoba turned things around. Volendam could not recover from that blow. “I think we have to create more. We lack the momentum to create real opportunities,” said Benamar, who thought the goal against was questionable.
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Once again Volendam started with five defenders. Because Fortuna used the same system, the audience saw a chess game before the break. “In fact, all matches we will encounter will come down to a game of chess. I do see development and steps we are making, but we have to do better.”
More risk
It was only fifteen minutes before the end that Volendam showed an urge to attack. With Lequincio Zeefuik and substitutes Robert Mühren and Vivaldo Semedo within the lines, the home team did create opportunities and the question arose whether Volendam did not start too defensively. “That is possible,” says Simons. “You can also open the door. I don’t know if that is wise.”