Danny Buijs has dismissed criticism of his handling of Shiloh 't Zand during last week's NEC clash, insisting his relationship with the midfielder remains intact despite the heated sideline incident. The Fortuna Sittard manager removed 't Zand around ten minutes before full-time in the 2-2 draw, visibly frustrated with the player's attitude on the pitch.
Buijs grabbed his player and directed him to the substitute's bench with sharp instructions: "Come on, walk. Come here. Sit down and behave yourself." Rather than create lasting friction, the 57-year-old says the matter has been resolved through their mutual understanding.
Buijs Hits Out at Driessen
Speaking on ESPN ahead of Fortuna's match against Excelsior, Buijs revealed he and 't Zand have not even discussed the incident further. "Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but what matters most is what Shiloh and I think about it and how we treat each other," he explained. "We have a good relationship. I'd go through fire for him and he would for me, I know that."
The manager then turned his sights on journalist Valentijn Driessen, who had condemned the incident on the Kick-off podcast. Buijs delivered a pointed critique of the De Telegraaf reporter's tendency to comment on every aspect of Dutch football. "These days, people have an opinion on everything. Valentijn Driessen has an opinion on everyone—from Louis van Gaal to Virgil van Dijk, he has opinions on how Ajax should be run," Buijs said with visible irritation.
"He wants to be a bit like Johan Derksen, but he isn't," Buijs continued bluntly. "There is only one Johan Derksen, and he isn't him. He's just a reporter for De Telegraaf, but apparently everyone these days thinks he needs to have an opinion on something. I don't pay much attention to it."
Driessen's Original Complaint
Driessen had earlier questioned Buijs's physical approach during the NEC fixture. "Danny Buijs is rather hot-headed, but you have to keep your hands off players, and he didn't," the journalist argued. "He also demanded that he sit in a particular chair. You're not dealing with babies. He's a very young player, but he is a Suriname international. After that, he just walked off."
The row underscores the intensity that defines modern Eredivisie management, where touchline discipline and player psychology remain constant talking points among media and supporters alike. For Buijs, the episode serves as a reminder that managerial authority and player welfare must coexist, a balance he insists he has struck with 't Zand. Fortuna Sittard's next test against Excelsior will reveal whether this internal harmony translates into improved performances on the pitch.
