For Orkun Kökcü it takes some getting used to now that Lutsharel Geertruida is not coming to the away game against SS Lazio. The midfielder already saw several friends of his leave Feyenoord last summer and the selection was considerably supplemented with mainly foreign players. Kökcü gets into conversation with ESPN the question of whether he misses his buddies.
”I still have daily contact with Malacia”, begins Kökcü. “I also just got in touch and tonight I have a FaceTime call scheduled with him, so I’m going to have a little chat with him. We also got nice guys in return, so there’s nothing to notice about the atmosphere. What are we talking about? Now it’s more to catch up.”
Malacia is currently doing more than excellent at Manchester United. “I often tell him that I am proud of him. Last year I spent every day with him. We also started training for ourselves outside the club. I saw him every day and we try to keep up with that with video calling. Or who misses me? I hope so.. I’m going to ask him that tonight.”
Tomorrow SS Lazio awaits. “I think we can see this as a first real test. I have faith in our team. We need to get to know each other even better. Just like last year, we want to show beautiful football, score points and win,” said Kökcü, who is starting to feel fitter. “In the beginning it was difficult. I notice that I am getting fitter. I noticed that last year. I’m trying to get back up to standard as soon as possible.”
Captain of Feyenoord
Kökcü is proud that he is now captain. “I have come through from youth and always looked forward to being in the first team. Now I am there as captain,” the midfielder reacts in conversation with RTV Rijnmond. ”It is still an early period, perhaps the tasks will become more. The way I approach it myself is that I have to set the right example for the team. That way I can’t give up in a match. I am a driver on the field.”
New contract
Feyenoord has recently indicated that it is doing everything it can to keep the midfielder longer. Kökcü mainly focuses on performing well on the field and is in no rush with a possible contract extension. ”I am lying until 2025, so there is no rush. I want to pop for another season and show myself better. Winning a prize is a goal, but we have yet to show it with Feyenoord.”
