Advocaat ‘satisfied with result, but room for improvement’
Dick Advocaat was unsurprisingly content that his side took three points in his first game in charge at VVV-Venlo on Sunday. But the new head coach was also critical, despite the 3-0 victory. ‘I am certainly satisfied in terms of the result, but not yet in terms of the performance,’ was Advocaat’s pithy conclusion.
Advocaat was especially pleased with his side’s attitude. ‘That was fantastic,’ he said, approvingly. ‘Everyone was motivated to the core. Mistakes were made, but the intention – being in control – was good. Sometimes we allowed ourselves to be pushed back too far. That has to improve, but it’s only logical that things weren’t yet completely up to scratch.’
The new coach was inclined to count his blessings, given that he only got to work with the team at the 1908 training pitch for the first time on Thursday. ‘Everything can be improved, the team knows that too. But VVV away is not easy, you have to get it done. I feel it’s a great win that especially gives the players a positive feeling.’
That certainly goes for Jan-Arie van der Heijden, who returned to the starting eleven, and Nicolai Jørgensen. The Dane put in a good performance on the artificial pitch, not his favourite playing surface. ‘Nicolai was really up for it,’ said Advocaat. ‘Today he showed that he can do it, too. He is going well.’
Van der Heijden’s ninety-minute performance also impressed Advocaat. ‘He did what he had to. Jan-Arie hasn’t played for a long time, but I’m satisfied with him. We gave little away with him in the centre of defence.’
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