Tonight he will be high up in the stands in Leeuwarden to relay his observations to the coaches on the couch with headphones and a microphone. During the week he mainly talks to the players. Theo Janssen is back at Vitesse’s First. “I want to be there as much as possible, that’s the best I think.”

The few spectators on the side and the journalists present paid special attention to him during training in Papendal. Cult hero Janssen on the pitch of the first to trudge through the Eredivisie in search of form and stability. Vitesse is at the bottom after Friday night and shows no progress even under new head coach Phillip Cocu.

“It takes time,” says 41-year-old Janssen, who will initially continue to exercise his position with the U16 youth team. “We’re working on a different system with this new staff and I think it’s logical that the team is still looking for it. It’s a change.”

short conversations

Janssen approaches players, gives instructions and starts a conversation. These are often short moments with mostly young players. Then he distances himself again and mainly observes. “For example, I talk to Ryan Flamingo about how to be positional. Are you open or closed I tell them things I see and I want to know what’s going on in the group. I’m trying to help, to do my part.”

“I think last season changed a lot,” Janssen analyzes today’s critical voices. “It wasn’t often good back then, but it was played very well in the European games, where a lot of attention was paid. Then people see it differently.”

With the real Arnhemmer on the field, Vitesse currently has two former players who could read the football game like few others. Two midfielders who played at the highest level and were praised for their tactical acumen.

“Phillip Cocu and I knew each other a little, of course, and then you automatically start a conversation,” explains Janssen, explaining how he first came. “He asks about my ambitions and tells them what they can use in the workforce. They think I can contribute and I’m happy to participate. I’m proud of that. Was I ready for this in my career? We will see.”

‘Enough time’

Vitesse feels the pressure of everything and everyone. Like Cocu, Janssen takes a treasure and an experience with him. “I have experienced it myself. We almost got relegated while we also played nice games against Werder Bremen. But when you’re at the bottom, the pressure is there. That’s also logical and certainly when you play at a club like Vitesse and you look at the position where you are now. But how many games have been played? Nine? There is still time.

For example, the analyst preaches peace in times of crisis on national television. His clear opinions during Champions League nights do not bite his work at Vitesse, according to the club and Janssen. But these are clearly busy times for the former Ajax and FC Twente player, among others. “It’s fun, it also gives you more energy.”

Tonight (21.00) Janssen takes place in the stands of Stadion Cambuur Leeuwarden, where Vitesse played one of their best games of the season last season, beating Friesland 6-1. The interest is now much greater. “I sit in there with headphones and then I’m in contact with the bank,” he explains one of his tasks calmly, as always.

‘extra eyes’

“Extra eyes are always good, as is my presence during training sessions. But I’m there part of the time so I’m not there every day because the club’s talents are also important and that’s where I have my under-16 team. It will be a bit of a search here and there. I hope to come first as often as possible. And I think that’s the best thing.”