Remarkable Transformation in The Hague ADO’s Revival Sparks Early Eredivisie Hopes
ADO Den Haag is currently experiencing a remarkable transformation in their early Eredivisie hopes. As the first division progresses, ADO leads the standings with a significant gap between themselves and their closest competitors, SC Cambuur and Roda JC. The club boasts a seven-point lead over the Frisians and an eleven-point advantage over the Limburgers, with an additional match against Vitesse pending.
Future Outlook for ADO Den Haag
Tonight, ADO will play Roda at home, followed by an away match against Cambuur in two weeks. A successful outcome in both games could put ADO in a strong position for a potential return to the Eredivisie, from which they were relegated in 2021.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite the positive performance, Lex Schoenmaker, a former ADO player and coach, cautions against premature celebration. “In 2003, we faced a similar situation and ended up in a precarious position,” he recalls. Schoenmaker, now 78, has a deep connection with the club, having played close to 300 matches for ADO.
Initially, the season did not seem promising. Last year, ADO was eliminated early in the playoffs by future promoter Telstar. A tumultuous summer followed, marked by the departure of head coach Darije Kalezic and the delayed appointment of a successor. During this transition, assistant coach Levi Schwiebbe led the first training sessions. Soon after, technical director Joris Mathijsen departed due to disagreements with American majority owner Bolt Football Holdings.
Coaching Changes and Tactical Shift
Amidst this uncertainty, Bolt Football Holdings introduced 39-year-old Robin Peter, a relatively inexperienced German coach, to lead the team. Additionally, they appointed Mark Wotte, a former player and coach, as temporary technical director. Despite initial doubts about the season’s success, under Peter’s guidance, ADO started with a decisive 5-1 victory against relegated Willem II and followed it with several successive wins.
Team Performance and Key Players
- Current standing: First in the first division with two loss points.
- Total goals scored: 39; goals conceded: 11 after 13 matches.
- Victories: Eleven matches won so far.
One standout player is Jesse Bal, a 19-year-old forward originally from Parma, who has emerged as an integral part of the team with four goals already. ADO has won a period title and is currently set on a course towards promotion.
Fans and analysts attribute the team’s success to a clear vision of aggressive football. “They press intensely after losing possession, making it hard for opponents to play,” explains Jim van der Deijl, an ADO enthusiast from Omroep West.
As Schoenmaker muses about potential upcoming matches against top clubs like Feyenoord and Ajax, he remains cautious. “ADO is resilient, but the road ahead remains unpredictable,” he asserts. The club has a rich history, and while current performances are promising, it must navigate future challenges to secure a spot in the top tier once again.
