Feyenoord will miss Justin Bijlow in the duel with Slavia Prague, Arne Slot said the day before the meeting with Slavia Prague in the Conference League. The goalkeeper has to miss the game because of a positive corona test. Slot, however, has full confidence in his replacement, Ofir Marciano. “Bijlow is the number one in the Netherlands and that shows how good he is. Marciano, however, is Israel’s number one and is used to playing big games.”
On Tuesday it was announced that Feyenoord cannot rely on Bijlow during the Conference League match with Slavia Prague, as the goalkeeper tested positive for corona. As a trainer of AZ, Slot previously had to deal with players who dropped out due to the corona pandemic. “We were a bit nervous whether it would only stay with Justin,” said Slot during the press conference. “I am a bit of an expert, because of my experiences with corona cases when I was still working at AZ. An infection can last ten days and so we won’t know until later whether Justin’s positive test affects symptoms in other players, so we’re testing the players. Yesterday, and again today.”
According to Slot, Bijlow is disappointed that he has to miss the match against Slavia Prague. “Justin also has some complaints,” says the coach. “Whether he is also missing against FC Twente on Sunday? Then you should go to our doctor, I find it difficult to answer.” Slot, however, has full confidence in his replacement Marciano. “Bijlow is the number one in the Netherlands and that shows how good he is. Marciano, however, is Israel’s number one and is used to playing big games. We wanted someone who wouldn’t get confused when he had to keep a big game.”
“Top clubs often have three experienced keepers, but from a financial point of view we have opted for two experienced keepers and Tein Troost and Thijs Jansen as young talents behind them.” According to the Feyenoord trainer, the Rotterdammers are among the contenders for winning the Conference League, if they make it through the group stage. “All clubs that are still there after the winter can do that”, says Slot. “There are a few strong clubs among them, but also less strong ones. We are very happy if we hibernate, if that is also possible without an intermediate round and so as a group winner that is great. Feyenoord has one point enough for a group win on Thursday when visiting Slavia.
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