The coming weeks at NEC will focus on whether Kodai Sano can be retained. PSV is interested in the Japanese as a replacement for Joey Veerman. Trainer Dick Schreuder also sheds light on the development of his playmaker.
“I am not at all anxious about the winter break, because that is up to the club,” Schreuder told ForzaNEC. “They have to make the decision which way they want to go.” In the summer, the trainer was not happy with the late departure of Calvin Verdonk. Schreuder often said afterwards that he had to start again at the back. “You try to explain what kind of process you are in. When players leave, you should already have the replacements in house. If you don’t have them in house, you shouldn’t get rid of them.”
One of the players that will be discussed a lot in the coming weeks is Sano. The question remains whether he can be retained. Schreuder thinks so. “Also because I think he can do better. That may sound strange, but I can pick out many moments in which he does not make the right choices, but also does not follow his man defensively. For example, look back at the first goal. We work with him every day. Last week I had him one on one with Darko Nejasmic to analyze a video. I thought that they were partly responsible for Telstar coming out dangerous a few times.”
Although the trainer always sees areas for improvement, he also sees the qualities. “I can understand if he continues like this, that he will leave for the summer. If I were him, I would learn a little more now.” Next summer’s World Cup could be a factor in the Japanese’s choice. A bigger club brings Sano more into the picture. “If you go to another club, you may also end up on the bench. I think if he continues to play like this, he will go to the World Cup. These are two things he has to see for himself whether he thinks he is ready for it. We talk a lot about what he can still learn here and he knows that too. His brother plays in the Bundesliga. Kodai also says that his brother is much fitter and stronger, in terms of physique. He is also working very hard on that to make the next step easier. make.”
Good morning Eredivisie
Also on Sunday morning Good morning Eredivisie the trainer discussed Sano’s future. “I think Sano is on the list of many clubs. That’s because of things like this,” says Schreuder as he sees images of Sano’s goal against FC Groningen. “But he still needs to improve, especially in and around the opponent’s box. He has a really good shot, both with the left and the right. What we have done with him is that we dribble him much more later. He can get higher on the field and take more risks. You can see that coming out.”
Hans Nijland, former general manager of FC Groningen, is also asked about the situation and whether departure is the right choice. “Gosh, that depends on his contract. I wouldn’t just do that during the winter break. They are now fourth, which means quite simply that if you end up there, you will play European football. That brings in a lot of money. In addition, NEC’s financial situation is such that they do not have to sell. Isn’t it still possible next summer?”
“You never want to sell your best player,” Schreuder continues. “But you also have to deal with a club and its finances. As Sjoerd says: sometimes you also have to sell players. You know that when you come to a club as a trainer and staff. You just hope it doesn’t happen in the middle of the season.”
Foto: Orange Pictures
