Will clubs such as AS Roma, Villareal and Eintracht Frankfurt come to the Mandemakers Stadium in six months’ time? It is certainly not that far yet, but that RKC is doing well is a fact. The club is in eighth place and could just take part in the play-offs for European football. In Waalwijk they will remain sober for the time being.
No polonaise, confetti or liters of beer in Waalwijk yet. As always, the club is in calm waters. Nevertheless, RKC has delivered a great performance this season with a provisional eighth place. A position that offers prospects for European football.
“Euphoric? We will only be that when we are also in eighth place at the end of May”, trainer Joseph Oosting is clear. Etienne Vaessen takes it a step further. “We first want to maintain our position definitively, only then will we look further.”
“Secretly do you sometimes think about those play-offs”
Of course the goalkeeper has to laugh when asked if he is still seriously considering relegation. “We are in very good shape. Who knows what this season will bring. Secretly you sometimes think about those play-offs. But we’re not there yet.”
It indicates how people live in Waalwijk. And that may be where the strength lies. Although Oosting mentions another important point. “Our strength lies in working together. We believe that we have to do it together. And act normal. That remains our strength.”
“I have some feelings of revenge”
Vaessen agrees with his trainer’s words and mentions another important point. “Everyone can be themselves at this club. You have busy and quiet guys, but the trainer, technical director and general manager know how to make it one whole.”
PSV will wait at home on Sunday. The thoughts then quickly go back to the away game in which a questionable penalty in the last second decided the game. “I do have some feelings of revenge,” Vaessen admits. “But PSV remains a top club. It won’t be easy.”
The trainer knows that better than anyone. “We are a tough team to play against. We managed to entertain the home crowd this season. We want to do that again on Sunday.”