It is somewhat unusual to see a traditionally stable sub-topper like FC Groningen at the bottom of the Eredivisie rankings. The team from Holland's northernmost province was still playing in the Europa League three years ago. "We are unfortunately not in the European schedule this year," said Bas Roorda (45). The former PSV player, currently goalkeeper coach of FC Groningen, explains with a touch of irony. "And to be honest, we're not really thinking about that at the moment either."
Don't panic
A joke does not escape the good-humored Roorda despite owning last place. Even when the so far untouchable frontrunner PSV comes to visit, there is no reason to panic. "I went to the Philips Stadium last Saturday to analyze the game against FC Emmen. Against Tottenham Hotspur I also saw them (PSV, ed.). Two different matches with both a totally different opponent of course."
Strong and stable
Roorda closely follows the club where he was under contract between 2007 and 2010. "I think PSV are strong this season, stable and scoring very easily. They have a lot of speed in the changeover, which is really a quality. The team consists of a strong core with Luuk de Jong as the focal point and around it a number of players who provide threat and depth and can easily score a goal."
Track record
A quick look into the archives reveals a remarkable statistic. The last four duels between PSV and FC Groningen all ended in a draw. It is the longest running series without a win by PSV against a premier league player. "We do indeed have a fine track record against PSV in recent years. But that's all from the past, we can't do much with that anymore. PSV is just a very good team and it will be hard for us to get a good result. But whichever way you look at it, PSV is in a very busy phase of the season. Then far away games are the moments when it can be dangerous to lose points. We have to make sure that happens."
Way of life
Roorda, despite never being in action in the Eredivisie on behalf of PSV, likes to talk about his time in Eindhoven. "I can speak from personal experience about such a full schedule. It was a way of life in Eindhoven: you go from game to game. All the players and the whole staff is set for two games a week. I also learned that at PSV at the time. It's a kind of mindset in which you live: one match is finished and the next one is just around the corner. Whether you have to drive 250 kilometers for that or it's in Tilburg, that shouldn't matter. They are all top players who experience that often enough. I wish we were in a cycle like that too, but that's a long way off."
Warm bath
Finally, there are nice words from the former goalkeeper about PSV. "I always have brief contact with my esteemed colleague Ruud Hesp prior to a game with PSV. Last Saturday (against FC Emmen, ed.) I naturally saw a lot of people again, including John de Jong and Ernest Faber. When I'm at De Herdgang, I always try to drop in on Paul and Liesbeth van Kemenade, or I go to De Verlenging. It still feels like a warm bath and I'm grateful to everyone for that."