Michael Silberbauer
Foto: © Pro Shots
For the third time in history, Spakenburg is an amateur club in the semi-finals of the KNVB Cup. Utrecht was the victim of Spakenburg in the quarterfinals, so the atmosphere in the Domstad was not the best in the following days.
Coach Michael Silberbauer tells that in conversation with Voetbal International about the day after the elimination. “The atmosphere was not good, everyone will understand that. Everyone was disappointed, angry. This was not who the players want to be. You understand that too.” In the following match, at home against Fortuna Sittard, a supporters protest followed. Silberbauer indicates that such actions do entail extra pressure. “It creates a certain pressure. Everyone wanted to go on the field against Fortuna Sittard and give an answer. But like I said, you felt there was less confidence. Maybe it was also the pressure. The most important thing right now is that we get through this. That confidence will return, that we will perform again.”
Within no time, the mood in the Dom city has turned 180 degrees. A week ago, fifth place was still in sight, now the supporters are demanding results. Silberbauer acknowledges that this is how football works. “We are dealing with humans, not robots. Tuesday has an impact. At the same time, we know that 99 percent is no longer enough. We just need to find something more.”
