James Rowe met up with NAC midfielder Rai Vloet in Breda. They spoke about NAC Breda’s start to this season, having a famous father in Wiljan Vloet and his time at PSV Eindhoven.
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Below is a transcript of the interview:
JR: “Can I start by asking you about the 0-0 draw away to VVV Venlo last weekend. What are your thoughts on the match?”
RV: “I thought that we deserved more from the match and that we were sluggish at times in the first half and we lost many second balls. We improved in the second half and we even had the best chance to win the game. I also believe that we should have had a penalty. We did not win the game unfortunately but we also did not lose. A decent point all in all.”
JR: “In the Eredivisie match the week before NAC Breda picked up an unexpected away point against FC Utrecht. Is it a good sign that you are doing well as a squad?”
RV: “Yes we have improved and we have been playing better in recent weeks. We do not give much away. We are collectively tougher now than in the past and that is a great compliment to the players and backroom staff.”
JR: “What are the ambitions of NAC Breda this season?”
RV: “As a squad we agreed that we want to reach 40 points and that is our objective this season. This is what we have set our sights on from day one of pre-season and we are willing to fight for it.”
JR: “Last season you played for FC Eindhoven. What are the differences between the Jupiler League and the Eredivisie?”
RV: “Yes The Eredivisie is more technical and tactical than the Jupiler League is. The Jupiler League is more man on man and very physical. In the Eredivisie, you really have to pick your moments when attacking and defending.”
JR: “You also played for PSV Eindhoven in the past. How do you look back and what are your highlights from your time in Eindhoven?”
RV: “It was great. I really enjoyed it. I played a total of 12 years in Eindhoven for PSV more than half of my life I spent playing at the club. Highlights include playing under Phillip Cocu and he gave me my debut too. I also played in all competitions, Champions League, Europa Lague, as well as the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup and I will always be grateful to him for letting me play in those games. I also experienced being at the club when they became Champions too. My Champions League debut came away to CSKA Moscow and it was a wonderful experience.”
JR: “What about your current manager Stijn Vreven. What are his qualities as a manager?”
RV: “Stijn Vreven is really ambitious and eager to win. He has a massive winner’s mentality and he expects the same from his players during training and in competitive matches. He also has his own playing style which involves passion and being combative which he wants to bring over to the current NAC Breda squad. We have a young squad so such qualities can only serve to help us.”
JR: “Your Father Wijlan Vloet was the first Dutch professional manager to grant me an interview. Today is my 15th interview with a Dutch professional manager or player. How is he doing these days?”
RV: “He is doing well. He is working for the KNVB where he teaches other managers and gives them training. He also working in a capacity for FC Den Bosch too and he is enjoying himself.”
JR: “It’s always a difficult question but could you say who the best player was who you ever played with?”
RV: “I believe that the best players that I have ever played with are Georginio Wijnaldum at PSV Eindhoven and also Memphis Depay. I played with them both a PSV Eindhoven and those two are two different types of players hence why I can’t say just one name. They both have different qualities. Also, Andres Guardado who now plays for Real Betis is also a very good player too. I mention all three because all three players are very good in their own way.”
JR: “Who is the most difficult opponent you have ever faced?”
RV: “I played many times with PSV Eindhoven in De Kuip against Feyenoord in Rotterdam and I always thought that Karim El Ahmadi was a great player who does his defensive duties really well in the midfield.”
JR: Finally you mentioned Phillip Cocu. Is he the best manager you have ever had so far in your career or have there been others?”
RV: “I believe that every manager teaches you something during your career. Phillip Cocu has an awful lot of experience and has also played for FC Barcelona and the Dutch national team and you notice that in his tactical ability. He is also calm and he knows what he is doing and he always has a plan ready to deal with an opponent. Also, Stijn Vreven has taught me a lot too.”
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