In the Dutch sprint camp, do the noses point in the same direction or not? A gold-plated Saturday in the World Cup final in Dordrecht could have silenced criticism of national coach Niels Kerstholt’s performance.
But does that apply to all four medals, including gold, in the mixed relay? “Of course there was pressure on the cauldron,” Kerstholt says. “But it can also be a good thing. It seemed to be going in the right direction today.
Kerstholt referred above all to failed reimbursements for men and women. “Four medals. Even if you leave feeling bad after these relay races, it’s not that bad.”
Knegt: “The scarcity of content”
The fall of Suzanne Schulting spoiled the women’s plans. However, there seemed to be a more structural problem underlying the elimination in the semi-finals for the men.
Just like earlier this week, Sjinkie Knegt did not downplay his words. “We lack content,” Knegt said. “Me too. I don’t mind being a finisher but I think Jens van ‘t Wout is better right now. But Jens has problems with his groin and we need to save some money. “
According to Knegt, criticism of Kerstholt’s approach is leaking. He wants to train harder: more pace laps that build strength. Kerstholt is more of a tactician, technique and cartoonist.
“I don’t know if I’m right,” Knegt replies. “Initially we decided to put pressure on the Koreans. We did well because it gets very annoying when you have to chase Koreans with their crazy lines. But in the end it won’t do anything.”
Kerstholt: “All noses in the same direction”
The national coach went in front of the camera with disappointment after two deceptions. “As I started the day with all the names in the semi-finals, I thought: This could be a very good day.”
According to Kerstholt, the team has already finished the fuss about its approach earlier this week before the weekend. The national coach, who won the gold medal in the mixed relay race, was extremely happy.
Was it a long nose in the critics? “Long nose, long nose… Everyone in our team is looking forward in the same direction. The pressure was maybe a little more. Then it’s nice when the gold medal is won.”
De Laat: “I am happy that Niels is the national coach”
Itzhak de Laat was one of the members of this golden liberation. Earlier in the day he broke a spear for national coach Kerstholt. “After ten years with Jeroen Otter, there is now a different captain on board. “Then it makes sense for things to go differently,” De Laat said after falling from the 1,500m in the quarterfinals. “Jeroen has built a huge base. What he does is very ingrained in our team. It’s not surprising then that we have to get used to it for a year.”
“I think Niels is doing very well,” concludes De Laat. “I also think we can take a few things out of Otter’s schedule for the coming seasons. If we add these, I think we have the best program. I am happy with Niels and I think we are on the right track to sit down. ” ”
Source: NOS
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
