After the 3-0 victory, players and supporters of Willem II lived for a few minutes between hope and fear. In the battle for survival, Willem II had done what it had to do with the win over FC Utrecht, but the other fields were still played. When it was clear that Fortuna Sittard had won against NEC, there was immediate resignation and disappointment. The relegation pain in Tilburg is great. “This is sour and really hurts.”
Trainer Kevin Hofland was soon in the mixed zone, where he told his story in front of various cameras and to the press. Several times he had to tell the same story, about disappointment and sadness. “There is a huge void that is now in us, in myself,” said the clearly emotional Hofland. “I’ve only been here for two months. I’m sure it affects the people who have been here longer, work and the environment.”
Freek Heerkens is such a person. Earlier this week, the defender played match number 200 in Willem II’s shirt. He belongs to the club, where he had highs and lows. This is an absolute low point and it showed. He spoke clearly about his feeling now that the relegation is a fact.
“It just comes down to relegation.”
“First we fought for ninety minutes against FC Utrecht. And then I had to fight against the tears when we stood in front of the Kingside. If you see the loud applause there is.” It is not surprising that he himself is also emotional after such a sporting disappointment. “No, that’s not crazy. That just comes loose with relegation.”
Hofland also talked about the supporters, who were already massively present at the stadium two hours before the game to give the players bus a warm welcome. And even afterwards, the supporters stuck to the players and the city to sing. “Unbelievable”, says Hofland. “A big compliment to the fans.”
“The turnaround came too late, unfortunately.”
Books can be written about the end of the season. Willem II took ten points from the last five matches. “But the turnaround came too late, unfortunately,” said Heerkens. Hofland is not proud that the Tilburg team has come so close to enforcement. “No, I don’t have that feeling at all. It shouldn’t have been that way. That hurts.”
That proud feeling may come later. Hofland has done well. He managed to turn Willem II into a team that the supporters are proud of. It just wasn’t enough. The question is whether he will still work in Tilburg next season and whether he will go for promotion with Willem II. “I’m not working on that now. I don’t know what the club wants either. But that doesn’t matter now. We have to give this a place first.”
Heerkens also looks no further than this Black Sunday. He can’t. After a long silence, he indicates that for the time being he does not want to think about next season and who will or will not still be working at the Tricolores. “This is bitter and really hurts. I really need some time to process this blow, yes.”
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