No direct promotion, but a place in the playoffs. That is the goal that trainer Fred Grim has been given at FC Emmen, says general manager Rinse Bleeker.
As a brand new first divisionist, FC Emmen will face a hell of a job next season. The competition is fierce with clubs such as Willem II, NAC Breda, ADO Den Haag, De Graafschap, FC Groningen and SC Cambuur. Expressing to the outside world that a return to the highest level must be achieved within a year, the Drenths will not do so this year.
“We see making it to the playoffs as a goal in itself,” says managing director Rinse Bleeker, who started his new position on July 1. “At the moment we cannot announce that we have to go back within a year. It must remain realistic. Of course we want to return as soon as possible, but not at all costs within a year.”
Trend break
It is a trend break with two seasons ago. At the time, FC Emmen did everything possible after relegation to return to the highest level within a season. It worked, but it entailed the necessary financial risks. “If you look at the first division next season, there are about ten teams that want to promote immediately.”
Bleeker describes the post-competition as a kind of Russian Roulette. “In any case, it is nice to see that our supporters and sponsors continue to support the club en masse despite relegation. At the moment we are counting on a full stadium. Or as we also call it: the twelfth man who lets us play our home games as well as possible.”
The born and raised Frisian also says he has confidence in the qualities of the new trainer. “Just like this club, Fred Grim stands for attractive football. We’re going to make a shot at at least the playoffs. Of course you don’t have to become a champion to be promoted immediately. So I would immediately sign up for such a scenario.”
Money doesn’t grow on trees here
Grim leaves his thoughts about the objective somewhat in the middle. “It depends on the player material. And we all know that money doesn’t grow on trees here, so we’ll have to wait and see how the selection stands. Anyway, we’re working on it. Only when the selection has been made can we shape the objective more specifically.”
For the time being, the trainer is satisfied with the progress his team is making during the first two weeks of preparation. ,,I have the feeling that my players and I are increasingly coming to the same level of thinking, know what is expected of them, both tactically and in terms of fighting spirit. You feel to those guests that it is right and that it fits. They pick up on ideas well.”
Defeat against VFL Osnabrück
No three in a row for FC Emmen. Where Fred Grim’s formation from Drenthe previously won 1-5 against both SC Erica and VV Annen, VFL Osnabrück was a size too big on Friday. The German second divisionist won 5-0 on neutral ground at SV Quitt in Ankum, more than an hour’s drive from Emmen. There were still opportunities for FC Emmen in the first half, via Jari Vlak and Ben Scholte, among others, but as the match progressed, VFL Osnabrück took control. At halftime it was 2-0 and after the usual exchange party had taken place on both sides, the score continued to rise. Not surprising, trainer Fred Grim would later say. The preparations of the Germans had been going on for a while and for them the season is almost about to start. Moreover, the form of the exhibition game (2x 60 minutes) was still a bit too much. Next week during the training camp in Delden, Grim will further sharpen his machine. In that week FC Emmen practices on Wednesday against KMZK Deinze and on Saturday against PEC Zwolle.
VfL Osnabrueck – FC Emmen 5-0
Scoring progression: 42. Kunze 1-0; 52. Kehl 2-0; 69. Wiemann 3-0; 72. Engelhardt 4-0; 88. Engelhardt 5-0
FC Emmen first half: Hoekstra (43. Oelschlägel); Te Wierik, Heylen, Dirksen, Hardeveld; Kieftenbeld (48. Bikhan), Flat; Huijzer, Younan, Landu; Scholte.
FC Emmen second half: Oelschlägel (84. Van Dorp); Van Beijnen, Funke, Vos, Mansaray; Roufs, Strik; De Lannoy, Bikhan, Quaedfly; Misehouy.