For ShotsOrkun Kokcü
NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 06:18
Why do Dutch football clubs almost always lose to Portuguese teams? It is a question that is often asked to Mitchell van der Gaag.
And that is not surprising, because the Dutch trainer and former footballer has been living in the southern European country with some intervals since 2001. Nowadays in the coastal town of Cascais, just west of the capital Lisbon, where Feyenoord will visit Benfica tonight for a Champions League match.
At the beginning of this century, Van der Gaag left as a central defender from FC Utrecht for the Portuguese CS Marítimo in Madeira. He would play football on the island for five seasons and remained there as trainer of the club. He then also coached the Belenenses club until 2014.
Not to peek at
And immediately in his first year, he noticed something about Portuguese football. “Usually it wasn’t a joke. But at the end of the day they almost always won. That’s a big difference with Dutch clubs,” says Van der Gaag, who after two years as Erik ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United are now enjoying the Portuguese sun without a club.
Van der Gaag about Portuguese football: ‘Most of the time it was not for prying’
“I can also clearly remember my first conversation with the trainer. He drew the field, with a red area at the back. And he said: if you are under pressure, then you have to shoot the ball away. People think about this differently in Portugal. I’m not saying it’s better, but it’s different.”
Will to win
The absolute will to win, without conceding a goal, has been completely normal in Portugal for a long time, says Van der Gaag. “That’s how you are raised here,” said the former coach of Excelsior and NAC Breda, among others.
Certainly, Dutch clubs won the European Cup I or Champions League more often than Portuguese clubs: 6 out of 4 times. On the other hand, the Netherlands is often eliminated by Portugal at final tournaments. Moreover, Benfica is doing remarkably well against Dutch opponents. In 29 European matches, the club only lost 6 times.
Benfica-Feyenoord at NOS
Benfica-Feyenoord (Wednesday at 9 p.m.) can be followed on NOS via a live blog on NOS.nl and the NOS app and via an integral radio report in Along the Line and Surroundings on NPO Radio 1.
A summary can be seen in the late NOS Journaal on NPO 1 at 11:45 PM.
Feyenoord and Benfica practiced against each other this summer. In the friendly battle for the Eusébio Cup, the Rotterdam team lost no less than 5-0. It did not necessarily mean the start of a great season for the Portuguese club. Trainer Roger Schmidt was fired at the end of August after disappointing results.
Under new coach Bruno Lage, Benfica has the wind in its sails again. They won 4-0 against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League and have climbed to third place in the Primeira Liga, behind Sporting Lisbon and FC Porto, the other Portuguese top clubs.
Pro Shots
In any case: “Benfica is by far the largest in Portugal,” says Van der Gaag. “I remember my first match for Marítimo, at home against Porto. You saw many more Porto supporters than Marítimo. At Sporting it was a bit more. But then Benfica came. Well, then it’s the entire stadium. for Benfica.”
Feyenoord must pay particular attention to wingers Ángel Di María and Kerem Aktürkoğlu tonight, says Van der Gaag. And of course the former Feyenoord players Orkun Kokçü and Fredrik Aursnes.
“Benfica can choose. They are good on the ball. But normally Portuguese teams collapse and let the opponent play football. Yes, Benfica too, no problem. If that produces effectiveness, then people are satisfied. Nice counter football becomes also appreciated here. You just have to link it to profit.”
But Feyenoord can also rely on its own strength, says Van der Gaag. The Rotterdam club is “on the upward trend”. “I also saw Feyenoord against Girona (2-3 win, ed.). And this Girona is not the Girona of last season, but it is nice to win there. So yes, this can be a great match.”
Van der Gaag about Benfica: ‘Nice counter-attacking football is also appreciated here’
Why Do Dutch Clubs Keep Losing to Portuguese Teams? A Cheeky Take!
Ah, the age-old rivalry – Dutch football clubs strolling confidently onto the pitch, mirrors in hand, only to find themselves utterly blindsided by the wizards of Portuguese football. Viewer discretion is advised; it’s going to be a rough ride for our Dutch friends and perhaps a time to rethink their mojo.
The Case of Mitchell van der Gaag
On a sunny day in Portugal (as it always seems to be), Mitchell van der Gaag, a Dutch coach with a penchant for dreams (and a sense of humor), is asked why his homeland’s clubs are consistently outplayed by their Portuguese counterparts. After a career that meandered through the thrilling landscapes of Madeira and Lisbon, Van der Gaag couldn’t help but notice a few discrepancies.
Now, if that doesn’t sting! Imagine slipping on your favorite pair of clogs and finding out they’re made of cheese. Delicious, but not practical on the pitch.
Strategies – Not Just for Video Games
Let’s dive deeper; Portuguese football isn’t just about wearing a cape and flying over the opposition. No, it’s about strategy – the likes of which our Dutch friends might find mysterious. Van der Gaag recounted how a trainer drew a field with a big red area: “If you are under pressure, shoot the ball away!” He might as well have been giving out directions to a lost tourist. It’s straightforward, but oh-so-effective!
Will to Win – An Unquenchable Thirst
This “absolute will to win” that Van der Gaag speaks of is akin to finding a rare species of bird – it exists, but good luck spotting it in the wild. In Portugal, this hunger is bred from childhood, while in the Netherlands, it seems everyone is just having a good laugh on the sidelines.
Statistically, the Dutch have been winning their fair share of the European Cups, but let’s not forget the smaller tournaments, shall we? It’s like having a Michelin star restaurant that forgets to check the scores in the oven. Oops!
Benfica – The Giants
Attention all Feyenoord fans! When you think of the greats in Portuguese football, Benfica should be in your top three – right there with soap operas and incredible pastries! Van der Gaag reminisces about his experiences. Picture this: he arrives to play against Porto, and what does he see? A sea of Porto fans! Then comes Benfica, and it’s a tsunami of red.
You’ve got more Benfica supporters in the stands than seats available. That’s right; stadiums aren’t just filled—they’re overflowing. It’s like a blockbuster opening night, only with far more shouting and significantly less popcorn.
Is There Hope for Feyenoord?
As T-minus moments tick down until the clash with Benfica, the pressing question arises: can Feyenoord rise from the ashes (or should we say defeat)? The Rotterdam club has shown flashes of brilliance recently, winning against Girona, of all teams. However, it’s crucial to watch out for the dangerous wingers and pranksters like Ángel Di María and former Feyenoord players like Orkun Kokçü.
And yet, Van der Gaag, ever the optimist, assures us that Feyenoord is in a “great phase.” Talk about throwing a lifebuoy into a stormy sea!
The Bottom Line
Tonight’s match promises not just football but a showcase of game-play psychology. Think of it as a chess match, but with a lot more kicking and shouting—just how the fans like it! So, as Feyenoord steps onto that Portuguese pitch, let’s keep our fingers crossed and perhaps have a little chuckle about their Dutch approach to the ‘beautiful game’. Fingers crossed, folks, for a night of tactical brilliance from Feyenoord. Or at least a valiant attempt!
Enjoy the game—either way, it’ll be a night to remember!
