Feyenoord will start tonight with five other players compared to the match against Sparta Prague. Brian Priske talks about a mix of forced and conscious choices in view of the busy week ahead. For example, In-Beom Hwang and Anis Hadj Moussa start on the bench.
“I think some of them had to be changed without a doubt,” Priske begins his explanation in conversation with ESPN. “For example, Gernot couldn’t play and is not even in the selection. It is not surprising that there are changes when we played a tough match in the Champions League three days ago. Now we play tonight and then an important cup match awaits us on Tuesday. Then PSV comes on Sunday. We have had a tough schedule so far, so we have decided to change a few players.”
Priske’s choices mean that Anis Hadj Moussa starts on the bench. Feyenoord’s trendsetter has made a good impression in recent weeks, but the trainer would also like to have him there for the rest of the season. “If you ask him, he definitely wants to play and he wasn’t happy with the decision, but he has played five games in two weeks. A big week is coming up with a quick game on Tuesday. Calvin Stengs is on the bench and is also ready for minutes, so I think there are good alternatives. Of course, I am certainly happy with the developments that Anis has gone through.”
Gernot Trauner is missing from the match selection against Heracles Almelo. “I had hoped that he would be available for the match, so that we could at least choose between him and a Beelen. Unfortunately, he could not train yesterday, so it is easy.” Quinten Timber starts the kick-off, but is on edge with the number of yellow cards. “I haven’t spoken to him about that, but he is certainly aware of it. He just has to play and at the moment this is the most important game. We need the three points tonight.”
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