Fortuna Sittard’s recent 2-3 victory at NEC Nijmegen has sparked commentary from former Dutch goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus, who has voiced his frustration with what he perceives as disproportionate media attention given to NEC manager Dick Schreuder, while simultaneously praising the perform of Fortuna’s head coach, Danny Buijs. Waterreus, a veteran of PSV Eindhoven and Rangers FC, believes Buijs is significantly undervalued despite achieving impressive results with a comparatively less-heralded squad.
Writing in a column for De Limburger, Waterreus lamented the increasing influence of public relations in football coverage. “In a time where PR is becoming increasingly crucial, it seems essential to win over the masses and avoid stepping on too many toes. Many journalists do nothing else,” he wrote. He specifically took issue with the widespread positive coverage surrounding Schreuder and the expectation that he will soon move to Ajax.
“Look at how Dick Schreuder, the coach of NEC, is being described as a kind of football saint en masse. He is supposed to and will go to Ajax. Why does everyone just parrot each other? Yes, his team is doing reasonably well,” Waterreus stated. However, he questioned whether Schreuder’s success is solely attributable to his coaching, given the quality of NEC’s squad. “But is that allowed, with a squad where 14 of the 18 Eredivisie clubs dream of? What Danny Buijs achieves with Fortuna is truly ten times more impressive,” he argued.
Waterreus’s criticism extends beyond Schreuder’s perceived overexposure. He expressed a broader concern about the lack of independent thought within football journalism, suggesting that reporters are too easily swayed by public relations efforts and the opinions of others. “It would be wonderful if ‘we’ in the world of football would simply say what we truly think and be less influenced by interests, press officers and the general public. But I fear the worst,” he added.
The former goalkeeper, who earned seven caps for the Netherlands national team, too highlighted a recent incident involving Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie. Waterreus observed that Van Persie presented flowers to two journalists during a press conference ahead of a match against FC Twente, a gesture Waterreus interpreted as insincere and motivated by a desire to maintain positive media relations. “The discomfort and reluctance were palpable,” Waterreus wrote. “You could notice from his body language that Robin would have preferred to shove a bush of nettles in their faces. But he knew these men have been following Feyenoord for a hundred years and will probably be sitting in the same seats in the press box for the next hundred years. Then you better retain them happy.”
Waterreus urged Van Persie to resist such tactics and to stand firm in his convictions. “Please Robin, I think, just give them pushback, stand up for your vision and your opinion. Avoid that flexibility. By presenting those flowers, Van Persie unnecessarily diminished himself.”
Ronald Waterreus began his professional career with Roda JC in 1992, playing 65 matches before a move to PSV Eindhoven in 1994. He spent ten seasons with PSV, establishing himself as one of the Eredivisie’s top goalkeepers. He later had stints with Manchester City, Rangers, AZ Alkmaar, and the Fresh York Red Bulls, retiring in 2007. His career included a brief period with the Dutch national team, earning seven caps between 2001 and 2004, and participation in the 2004 UEFA European Championship.
Waterreus’s comments reflect a growing debate within Dutch football about the influence of media narratives and the importance of independent analysis. His critique of the current climate suggests a desire for a more honest and critical approach to reporting on the game, one that prioritizes substance over superficiality. The focus now shifts back to on-field action, with Fortuna Sittard preparing for their next Eredivisie fixture, while the speculation surrounding Schreuder’s future continues to build.
Fortuna Sittard will face [Next Opponent – to be verified] on [Date – to be verified] at [Venue – to be verified].
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