Monday, May 17, 2021 at 8:47 AM• Chris Meijer

Ibrahim Afellay is not exactly pleased with the performance of Arjan Swinkels in the match between VVV-Venlo and FC Emmen (0-4). The 36-year-old center-back left Glenn Bijl too much space in the run-up to the opening goal, which was scored by Luka Adzic. Afellay says in the program Studio Football of the NOS that this ‘really is not possible’ at the highest level in the Netherlands.

With 36 minutes on the clock, Swinkels allowed Bijl to turn away within the penalty area and reach Kerim Frei with a heel, who in turn found Adzic in front of the goal. “The way he defends against the first goal against is really not possible at the highest level in the Netherlands. You have better defenders out there, right? It is also one of the most experienced players. If he walks towards it, he can just block the ball. Ultimately, a goal is scored. FC Emmen plays it well, but he could have intervened. If you defend in such a way … ”

Watch the first goal of FC Emmen against VVV-Venlo from 07:31.

Swinkels was pulled to the side fifteen minutes before the end for Zinedine Machach. The significant defeat did not matter much to VVV, because the Limburgers were already certain of relegation. Because ADO Den Haag lost 3-2 to FC Twente at the same time, the club from the Hofstad ends in last place. “It’s crazy. If you saw VVV at a certain point, they have the top scorer of the Eredivisie (Giorgios Giakoumakis, ed.) In the team and they are relegated without a chance. It’s unbelievable, ”says Theo Janssen.

Opponent FC Emmen has been sentenced to play play-offs, because Willem II simultaneously won against Fortuna Sittard. NAC Breda is the first hurdle for the team of trainer Dick Lukkien. The analysts of Studio Football think that FC Emmen will hold their own. “FC Emmen has a big favor factor, but it is a fairly expensive club compared to other clubs,” says Kees Jansma. “They have attracted expensive players, but they have a sympathetic image. I understand that they are in the sub top in terms of salary. A million or two a year more than Willem II. So they should stay in it, I’m sorry for NAC. ”