NOS Football•
Van de Donk did not see comment about fitness as a sneer to Jonker: ‘Not my intention’
“Nothing wrong,” says national coach Andries Jonker in response to the fuss around Daniëlle van de Donk after the Match against England (4-0). Van de Donk itself also did not quite understand the fuss: “I just gave an honest interview.”
Van de Donk participated as a substitute against England, but afterwards told the NOS that she was fit enough to start. “I got up well and felt fit,” said Van de Donk. “You ask how I feel, I have not thought about it.”
Since Van de Donk was still struggling with Lies complaints the day before the game, it was decided in consultation with the staff that the experienced midfielder could at most come in. On the day of competition, she did not announce Jonker that she was ready to start.
‘No stitch to someone’
“The setup was already known and it is also not common to walk to the trainer and report that you can still start,” said Jonker. “She didn’t do that either. It was not the case. The plan was discussed with the players.”
Jonker does not believe that issue-van de Donk caused unrest: ‘Was nothing wrong’
According to Van de Donk, there was no plan behind her statements to damage the national coach. “That was not the intention. It wasn’t a stab for someone.” That is what Jonker thinks: “This is Daniëlle van de Donk. I have known her for three years.”
Van de Donk and Jonker have spoken the issue in recent days. “It turned out what I already suspected,” said Jonker. “She just gave honest answer. Nothing wrong. I shrug my shoulders for it.”
From the Donk and Beerensteyn can start
Van de Donk has no doubt about Sunday’s coming game against France. “From that day I have a good feeling and I kept feeling. I feel good, I am ready,” she says. Lineth Beerensteyn can also start, Jonker said.
It becomes very difficult, but Orange is not yet without a chance for a place in the quarterfinals. The Netherlands reaches the quarterfinals in a victory in France with three goals or more difference, but also with a small victory like England does not win Wales and loses Wales with a draw like England.
“We have to produce Basel’s miracle,” says Jonker. “There have been more wonderful competitions. That happens once in a while. We have to go for it. At the very least we can play a good game.”