With the second half of the FIH Hockey Professional League 2024-25 lower than a month away we’re catching up with gamers and coaches of all 9 males’s and girls’s groups to take the temperature on the primary half of their season and discover their targets for the remaining matches. In right this moment’s interview, we converse with Pien Sanders of the defending champions Netherlands ladies’s staff, who presently occupy the highest spot within the ladies’s desk…
How do you look again on the primary half of the FIH Hockey Professional League season?
I feel we have been capable of get lots out of the primary half of the season. We performed excellent matches but additionally lesser matches with sadly shedding factors. Many younger gamers made their debuts and obtained enjoying minutes. And we performed for the primary time beneath new nationwide coach Raoul Ehren.
Was it tough to recharge after successful Olympic gold?
After the Olympics we obtained prolonged day without work. That was mandatory for some time. However after the summer time we began with a very new workers and nationwide coach and that also brings new stimuli which retains you hungry and curious in regards to the matches. So, I used to be wanting ahead to beginning once more.
What are your expectations for the upcoming FIH Professional League matches?
It is rather good that we’re enjoying in entrance of our personal crowd. That’s all the time a giant celebration within the Netherlands. China and Australia are additionally powerful opponents. You noticed that throughout the Olympics. I’m curious how we are going to play towards them now and what the matches will appear to be. I anticipate it to be one other tactical sport. We’re all wanting ahead to it and hope for full stands. I sit up for seeing all of the followers within the Wagener Stadium once more in June! We’re grateful for the attractive celebration they all the time make of it!
Are you already wanting ahead to subsequent yr’s FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and the Netherlands?
The World Cup is all the time ‘in large letters’ within the calendar after all, however all the things is finished step-by-step. First – after the FIH Professional League – this summer time the European Championship. I’m additionally wanting ahead to that, so hopefully I will probably be there!
For extra info and full match schedule go to the FIH Hockey Professional League web site.
