A comment from Arjen Robben earlier this season went wrong with Eljero Elia. The two wingers will face each other tonight in the play-off match between FC Utrecht and FC Groningen. In the run-up to that game, Elia returns to a statement by Robben.
Just like Robben, Elia has suffered from injuries this season, so his return to the Eredivisie has not yet turned out as he hoped in advance. The 34-year-old Elia was not sure of a starting place earlier this season, which earned him a comment from Robben. “In one of the previous matches he said that I should have come to FC Groningen, because I would have played there. I didn’t like that comment because he knew I had had corona and therefore was not fit to play. I take such things seriously, but I don’t show it, ”Elijah says The Telegraph.
The winner of tonight’s game (kick-off at 6.45 pm) will compete in the final against the winner of the other semi-final between Feyenoord and Sparta Rotterdam. The winner of the play-offs will qualify for the second qualifying round of the Conference League. Elia is especially looking forward to a sporting duel with Robben, who is now certain that he will be in the match selection. The former international appeared in the starting line-up for the first time against FC Emmen and impressed with two assists. “It is good that he is back,” said Elijah. “I respect his entire career. But everyone must continue to act normal. It was against FC Emmen. It will be interesting to see what he does against more opposed clubs. ”
Elia wants to show itself in the play-offs. He hopes to be of value to trainer René Hake’s team. “I have not been able to show enough because of all the problems (corona and a muscle injury, ed.), But now I really want to pay the club back. With our qualities it is feasible to win the play-offs. It would be a dream scenario to play against Feyenoord in the final of the play-offs. The club with which I became champion. But first the semi-finals, ”said Elia.
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