It's up to the players now

Saturday 13 December 2008

(AD) - The picture was perfect for an instruction book on communication and PR: Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Gertjan Verbeek shoulder to shoulder behind a table in the Press Room at De Kuip, indicating they for a single front.

The captain had a note in his hand.

Written on it was a statement 'on behalf of the players'.

Van Bronckhorst wished to respond to all that had been written in the media during the last week.

The poll among the players, the lacking chemistry between the young and the old players, the discontent about the power training and the training intensity; according to Feyenoord's skipper it was all untrue.

"As a squad we only want one thing: bring Feyenoord back where it belongs," Van Bronckhorst said.

"We'll all work hard to achieve that."

There was no opportunity to ask questions.

So the question whether he fully backs his coach remained unanswered.

And it also remained unclear how Van Bronckhorst explains he persistent stream of rumors coming out of the dressing room.

Van Bronckhorst just read out his statement and left the room.

From the perspective of the players a political statement was understandable.

The fans were clearly on the side of the coach, who is trying a accomplish a culture change the club.

The players who have been under-performing for a year now have used up their credit with the fans.

To come forward as one was their only way of limiting the damage.

On the side Verbeek had a different advise for his players: "Make sure that on the pitch you give everything you have in you. It's only way to grow some goodwill with your supporters. When you try everything you have in you no one shall you reproach you with anything. The game against AZ is a perfect opportunity to do so."

The coach who had been cornered in recent weeks appeared matter-of-factish after Van Bronckhorst's statement.

He liked the fact that the players had backed him.

"Why should I not believe them when they all that has been published is untrue. I experience my relationship with the players as pleasant and see no reason to doubt them. When they want to state their opinion on the matter I can only be happy about that."

Verbeek added that he did not want to be remorseful towards the press.

"I will not say that it is rubbish what is in the papers. I have often said that it means nothing to me when I was asked about the articles in which there was anonymous criticism. And my opinion hasn't changed. What doe mean something to me are the players with whom I work every day. Them I can influence, unlike what is in the newspapers."

There had been meetings of players, coach and management, Van Bronckhorst confirmed.

In the dressing room every player got the opportunity to speak his mind and with the core criticism Van Bronckhorst, Roy Makaay and Kevin Hofland had stepped up to the management and the coach.

"Those chats were very fruitful," Verbeek said.

"When you improve communication you will improve cooperation."

The coach who has a name of being very stubborn, also showed a vulnerable side.

"I do not say that only I know what's best. At Feyenoord I work with players who have played at a very high level and who still do. I involve them in several processes."

Verbeek said he had listened well to the signals coming from his team, ranked 11th at the moment.

The course will stay the same, but some minor adaptations will not hurt.

"Karim El Ahmadi told me he wasn't used to playing training matches a day before the game. And he can say that. Some other players say they would want a bit more variation in training session shortly before games. That is fine. That means something to me."