“I am happy with the team’s performance. After the home game against Besiktas I said that we had to go here with a good mentality. We did that. We were calm, patient and waited for the right moment. I am also happy with the first away win in the Premier League,” Farioli began his retrospective analysis.
In Waalwijk the trainer again chose to rotate. With a busy schedule coming up, the Italian wants to have as many fresh legs as possible. You could also say that Farioli took a risk by starting players like Mika Godts and Bertrand Traoré on the bench. “There are always risks, but our priority is to keep everyone fit and on board.”
Only when the duo came on did the match seem to gain more momentum. According to Farioli, that did not mean that Banel and Rasmussen did poorly. According to the trainer, they did the preparatory work so that Godts and Traoré could finish the job. It’s reminiscent of what the coach said earlier when he was talking about starters in finishers.
“Mika and Bertrand benefited from that. It was attack, attack, attack. That made them tired at RKC. I think two or three players left with cramps,” said Farioli, who then discussed Traoré’s physical condition. How is he doing now?
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“He plays three games a week. That’s an achievement. He is coming off seasons with many interruptions, partly due to injuries. We’re keeping a close eye on him. He’s in a trial. This does not only apply to him, but also to others. As a staff we are on top of it. That is also important.”
In the cozy RKC press camp, it was not only about physical fitness, but also about mental fitness. According to Farioli, that is sometimes even more important. “This was a completely different match compared to Thursday. We played in a different atmosphere, against an opponent who was much more defensive. Even then you have to have the will to get three points.”
But how do you train something like mental fitness? “It’s about recovering well after a match, for example by taking an ice bath. After Besiktas home I immediately saw players in the gym. The next day they were back at De Toekomst. I am very happy with that. I really couldn’t wish for more.”
Now on to the Czech Republic, where Ajax will cross swords with Slavia Prague on Thursday. Farioli expects that Wout Weghorst will have recovered from his mild hamstring complaints by then. He hopes to have Steven Berghuis back after the international break.
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