RKC can do very good business against PEC Zwolle on Saturday. With a win in the home game, the Waalwijkers are almost certain of a longer stay in the Eredivisie. PEC is 17th, RKC 14th. RKC veteran Vurnon Anita also knows that there is a lot at stake. “When we win we distance ourselves, but when we lose it becomes a bit of a keel.”
Anita doesn’t care how the three points are taken. “As long as they get caught. It no longer has to be beautiful football, we have to get them over the line.” With a win, the Waalwijkers are still not officially safe, the midfielder knows: “But it does give a huge boost for the last four games.”
“We still have everything in our own hands.”
Recently, competitors Fortuna and Sparta came closer to the Waalwijkers. The gap with ‘the relegation line’ has been reduced to three points. Anita wasn’t too concerned about that: “Of course we get everything on board and we see that the pressure is increasing. But we still have everything in our own hands.”
Saturday-evening’s game is of vital importance for Joseph Oosting’s team. A three-pointer ensures that RKC distances itself from the lower regions, thereby doing itself a favor in the exciting relegation battle. The gap with PEC Zwolle is then increased to seven points.
“The duels are short and fierce, something we will really need against Zwolle.”
The player group knows that it has to be done now and the experienced Anita notices that during the training sessions. “Everyone is sharper, the duels are short and fierce, something we will really need against Zwolle.” Together with Michiel Kramer, Hans Mulder and Melle Meulensteen, among others, Anita is one of the players who must keep the team together.
“It will be a loaded game with the pressure that comes with it,” the 33-year-old midfielder knows. Zwolle has fully revived in the second half of the season and will see the match against RKC as a must-win. “I think they’re coming here to put a lot of pressure on us. It is up to us to deliver the same intent time and energy.”