The negativity is swelling around Rogier Meijer. The NEC coach passed Jasper Cillessen last weekend, who had already returned from an injury. Robin Roefs, Cillessen’s replacement during his absence, was preferred against Almere City (1-1). This was met with outrage throughout the country. The news made it to all news sites and even earned Meijer a ‘red card’ from Voetbal International. Alex Pastoor, trainer of opponent Almere and also former NEC trainer, could count on compliments from VI.
These are unpleasant times for Meijer. Prior to the season, expectations were sky-high, but after nine rounds his NEC is in a disappointing eleventh place. The lack of victories and convincing football means that some of the Nijmegen fans are tired of the trainer. On social media, the call for the trainer’s dismissal is increasing every week. Meijer even had the whole of the Netherlands coming over him last weekend after passing the returning Jasper Cillessen. The 42-year-old Doetinchimmer opted for second goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who was under the bar during Cillessen’s injury.
Telegraph
Valentijn Driessen, football chief at De Telegraaf, reacted indignantly to Meijer’s decision. Driessen rates Cillessen higher than his stand-in and finds passing the Dutch international reprehensible. “You don’t do this with someone of his stature,” said Driessen about the incident, who also believes that Meijer ‘is not making a good turn’ with his decision. Mike Verweij, Ajax watcher and regular guest in De Telegraaf’s football podcast, agrees. He believes that passing Cillessen shows the difference between Meijer and a top coach like Arne Slot, referring to the Feyenoord coach’s decision to immediately field Justin Bijlow, who has also just returned from an injury.
Justin Bijlow immediately got his place back under the bar, unlike Jasper Cillessen.Football International
Meijer did not have to turn to Voetbal International for support. In the weekly column ‘VI hands out’, the trainer’s decision is once again scrutinized. The football magazine accuses Meijer of creating unrest among the supporters by passing the first goalkeeper. Replacement Roefs has received compliments for his work in recent matches, but according to VI ‘a player of Cillessen’s status deserves more’. Meijer’s choice is assessed with a ‘red card’. Colleague and former NEC player Alex Pastoor can count on compliments from Voetbal International. The trainer is currently in thirteenth place in the competition, above Ajax, Utrecht and Vitesse. Reason for positivity in Flevoland. Pastoor is called a professional who managed to forge a competitive team from a ‘minimally reinforced team’. Pastor may receive a ‘green card’ this weekend.
Photos: Orange Pictures and Rob Koppers
