Hans Kraaij Jr. is impressed by Giovanni Franken. The coach of ADO Den Haag and his team defeated FC Eindhoven (1-2, 2-4 over two games) on Saturday afternoon, meaning that the club from the Hofstad can report to the final of the Kitchen Champion Play-Offs. According to Kraaij Jr. Franken radiates so much strength and self-confidence that in addition to being a good trainer, he would also be an excellent friend to go out with.
“When you have a naughty evening with a few friends… that is no longer possible these days. But should it happen in theory; then you must take Giovanni Franken with you. With him you can take on half the world, which will empty half a disco on its own. He is that strong,” says the analyst with a wink. Kraaij Jr. then continues in a more serious tone about the ADO trainer.
“He’s got it done, hasn’t he? He is so driven and busy on the side. Last Tuesday he was so happy with the 2-1 victory, that was remarkable. But he already knew then that they were going to make it, he said that in advance again today,” the impressed presenter said. ADO captain Boy Kemper also participates in the conversation. “He reminds me a bit of Diego Simeone. If you see him running to the side, that is Simeone-esque. In the dressing room he is calm again, but I have heard that Simeone is too,” concludes the left back of the Hagenaars with a laugh.
With the win, ADO qualified for the final of the Kitchen Champion Play-Offs. On Tuesday, the club kicks off in its own Cars Jeans Stadium in the first leg of the diptych, in which they meet Excelsior or Heracles. Those teams will determine later in the evening in Erve Asito in Almelo who will take the second final ticket. If ADO wins the Kitchen Champion Play-Offs, it will return to the Eredivisie after a year of absence, from which it was relegated last year.