RON JANS has exposed the financial gap after FC Utrecht's costly Europa League defeat. The manager was visibly frustrated following his team's 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in the UEFA Europa League.
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| RENE NIJHUIS / ALAMY / PROFIMEDIA |
Asked what made the difference between the two teams, Jans joked that he had missed out on €660 million. The loss has left Utrecht 32nd in the league table with just one point from six games.
After holding Forest scoreless in the first half, Utrecht pulled one back seven minutes into the second half with Arnaud Kalimuendo scoring the opener.
Mike van der Hoorn equalised, but Igor Jesus later scored the winner in the 88th minute. Jans admitted his team struggled to control Forest's possession during key periods, saying his players "couldn't find a way through their defence" and that Forest were "calm on the ball" in dangerous areas.
Despite losing, Jans said Utrecht were short of players, noting how his team limited Forest's chances for much of the match.
He praised their pressing and the way they moved the ball around, but was disappointed when the goals were scored. Jans used one strong word - "sh*t" - to describe how frustrated the players were at the Galgenwaard Stadium.
However, Jans confirmed that he will use the remaining matches against KRC Genk and Celtic to give players who have not started much a chance.
Injuries, rotation, and Sebastien Haller's roles in the upcoming AFCON with Ivory Coast are expected to make a difference, although Jans stressed that his regular starting players have "built a lot of reputations" during the season.