Rotterdam – As Feyenoord prepares for De Klassieker against Ajax, former striker Michiel Kramer has offered a candid assessment of the club’s current form and the influence of veteran coach Dick Advocaat. Kramer believes the high-stakes rivalry game transcends recent results, but acknowledges the challenges posed by a string of injuries impacting team consistency. The upcoming match carries immense weight for both clubs, with implications extending beyond the Eredivisie table.
Speaking on FC Rijnmond, Kramer emphasized the unique nature of the Feyenoord-Ajax clash. “Against Ajax, you’re always a little bit nervous, on the other hand. Everything that happened before doesn’t really matter, I forget about it. This match is a match in itself, all the clichés come up now, but it’s really true. In this match, you can make up for a lot or ruin a lot. It just depends on how you approach it. As a supporter, of course, I hope we win.”
Kramer reflected on his own time at Feyenoord, recalling Advocaat’s previous stint with the club, where he was brought in as an advisor. He noted that Advocaat’s strength lay not in detailed tactical instruction, but in bolstering player confidence and establishing a stable starting eleven. “What I remember about Dick was that he didn’t really talk about football tactics with the coaches. Both Gio [van Bronckhorst] and Robin [van Persie] had that experience, but it was more about trust in the players. Creating a fixed starting eleven, having confidence in that, and creating stability from that.”
He recounted a period where Feyenoord endured a nine-game winless streak, shifting their focus to cup competition. “Advocaat told us to go back to the players you trust the most, you have to retain playing them. In that period, I, for example, started playing again. The tip Gio received was to create stability.” This emphasis on a consistent lineup, Kramer believes, is crucial for building momentum and restoring confidence within the squad.
Currently, Feyenoord faces a significant challenge in achieving that stability due to a mounting injury list. Kramer highlighted this as a key issue for Van Persie and Advocaat to address. “I’m curious how that’s going in the locker room now. Advocaat has been around for a long time. Robin van Persie has indicated that he doesn’t really require a mentor, but he’s getting one now. Robin can tell us he’s very positive, but if you don’t listen, it’s useless, so I’m very curious about that.”
A particularly pressing concern is the right-back position, with Mats Deijl, Givairo Read, and Bart Nieuwkoop all unavailable. Jordan Lotomba is the remaining option. “Gijs Smal has played there, but he’s not fit either. Lotomba against Godts, that’s a nice challenge. He has nothing to lose and has been sidelined. He hasn’t recovered since the Fenerbahçe game.” The lack of established options at right-back underscores the depth of the squad’s current predicament.
Despite the challenges, Kramer remains optimistic about the impact a positive result against Ajax could have. “If you perform well in this match, then everyone will forget everything,” he stated emphatically. “Even the fans, this match is a match in itself, they will be there from the first minute. Trust doesn’t matter, believe me. The stadium will get behind the boys, and that can give a boost to the guys who are in a slump. It can really help.”
Kramer doesn’t anticipate any dissent or negativity from the Feyenoord faithful, regardless of the team’s recent struggles. “With this match, you don’t have to ask for interaction. Believe me, they’re there. I experienced it as a player, as a Rotterdammer, Here’s the match of the season.” The unwavering support of the De Kuip crowd is a powerful force that Feyenoord will undoubtedly rely on.
The significance of De Klassieker extends beyond the three points on offer. It’s a fixture steeped in history and rivalry, a clash of cultures and identities. For supporters of both clubs, it’s a game that defines their season, a chance to claim bragging rights and assert dominance in Dutch football. The outcome will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the Eredivisie landscape.
Feyenoord currently occupies second place in the Eredivisie standings, while Ajax sits in fourth. However, Kramer believes the league table is largely irrelevant when these two teams meet. The intensity of the rivalry and the passionate support of the fans create a unique atmosphere that transcends form and statistics. It’s a game where anything can happen, and where heroes are made.
Looking ahead, Feyenoord will need to navigate a challenging schedule following the Klassieker. Their performance in this pivotal match will likely set the tone for the remainder of the season, influencing their ambitions in both the league and cup competitions. The club’s ability to overcome their injury woes and rediscover a sense of stability will be crucial to their success.
Feyenoord faces Ajax on Sunday, March 23, 2026, at De Kuip in Rotterdam. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30 local time (15:30 UTC). Fans around the world can follow the match through official league broadcasts and updates on Feyenoord’s official website and social media channels.
What are your predictions for De Klassieker? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
