Gianni Zuiverloon thinks that it did not turn out so bad for Ajax that the match against FC Groningen was played in an empty stadium. The former footballer knows from experience that it can sometimes be better to play without the harsh criticism of the fans when your team is going through a bad period.
“It may be strange to say, but I think it was a blessing in disguise for Ajax that the match was stopped on Sunday,” the former player of Feyenoord and Heerenveen, among others, told De Telegraaf. “FC Groningen had the first three chances on Tuesday when the match was finished. Then Ajax is normally whistled at or you at least hear grumbling. That does not help a team that performs poorly and has no confidence.”
After his career, Zuiverloon, together with Edson Braafheid, is committed to the mental health of football players. In that capacity and as a former player, he knows what pressure from supporters can sometimes do to a player. “Then – especially as a young player – you can feel a sense of shame because you cannot meet the high expectations. Every football player will recognize that, for fear of the scorn of the crowd, he prefers to pass the ball three meters straight ahead rather than an angled pass over 25 meters, which allows him to play three or four men. Afraid of making a mistake.”
For example, Zuiverloon also says that in a bad period, footballers may sometimes prefer to play away rather than at home. “Getting on the bus can be pleasant. I have also played matches that I was glad they were not at home.” Finally, he also has a message for the critical fans of Ajax, among others. “They must realize that the players are not robots. With positive support, a negative situation can turn around very quickly.”
