Match Result
Heerenveen lost at home to PEC Zwolle 0-2. In the 50th minute Nick Viergever scored the opening goal for PEC, followed by Koen Kostons ten minutes later to make it 0‑2. The Frisians were favorites to win, but the second half went downhill.
Veldman’s Analysis
Coach Robin Veldman stated: "We must score ourselves. I think we played a good first half, with many goal attempts." He noted that the team needed to extract more from the attacking impulses. Veldman pointed to a tactical change: "We took many risks to make the connecting goal, but offensively it was too little."
Adjustments in the Second Half
After the 0‑2, Veldman decided to change the approach. "I choose to do it completely differently after the 0‑2, because you have to fight back in the match. Bring in extra attackers, looking for a chance, a gamble." The adjustment proved unsuccessful, leaving the team unable to overturn the deficit.
Captain Maas Willemsen
Captain Maas Willemsen said the first half was "quite good," but the squad was not effective enough with the chances. "Maybe we also threw a bit with the energy. We wanted to put a lot of pressure in the first half. I think that was very good, that we were in control on the field," he said. "But then you have to score," he added.
Improvement Points
Willemsen highlighted that the team should move faster towards the goal. "Ultimately you have to go towards the goal as quickly as possible, because that’s where the space is," he said. He warned that too much searching for the safe ball on the side gives the opponent time to retreat.
Levi Smans’ Return
Despite the defeat, there was a bright spot: Levi Smans made his first minutes for Heerenveen after almost a year out with injury. "It feels great to be back, a moment I’ve been looking forward to for a long time," he said. "I had hoped for a different scenario, but I’m glad I’m back."
Next Match
Next week Heerenveen will play an away match against Willem II.
