Feyenoord without suspended Santiago Giménez in KNVB Cup semi-final, Calvin Stengs enjoys support: ‘He certainly deserves that’ | Dutch football

“It is true that we have to miss Giménez,” said Slot. “But we also have Ayase Ueda back. That’s also an excellent striker. He also came in well against AZ. He worked hard and kept the ball well at times.”

Feyenoord will be paired with an opponent for the semi-finals during a draw on Saturday. NEC and Cambuur and FC Groningen or Fortuna Sittard are the possible opponents.

Calvin Stengs enjoyed the support Giménez received from the Legion. “He certainly deserves that,” said the attacking midfielder. “We must not forget how important he has already been for us this season.”

Giménez was constantly serenaded in De Kuip. It was as if his fans wanted to give him the final push to score again. But Feyenoord’s top scorer still remained without a goal for the fifth game in a row. He had to make way for Ueda fifteen minutes before the final whistle.

“Every football player has moments when things don’t quite work out,” Stengs said. “Santi didn’t score but he worked very hard. He was very important in the way we pressed. We are happy with him.”

Stengs also understood why Bart Nieuwkoop, originally a right back, was preferred as a right winger over recognized wingers such as Luka Ivanusec and Yankuba Minteh. “Bart brings a lot of energy to that position. We also saw that recently against PSV. He was completely devastated in the final phase but still made it 2-0. That says a lot about him.”