Shiloh 't Zand holds no grudge against Danny Buijs: 'I need a kick up the backside now and then'

Fortuna Sittard beat Excelsior 1-0 in a dull match; 't Zand praises manager Buijs's demanding approach.

Fortuna Sittard secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Excelsior on Sunday in a match that drew criticism for its poor quality of play. Manager Danny Buijs was candid about his dissatisfaction with the performance, telling the fourth official at half-time that the football was painful to watch. He joked to the team manager about refunding supporters' money given how much went wrong tactically.

23-year-old Shiloh 't Zand, who has been a talking point this season, defended his manager's demanding style. 't Zand, who comes from the south of the Netherlands, said he can handle tough criticism and doesn't hold it against Buijs. "I come from the south, I can take a knock," he said, suggesting he values the coach's direct approach. Fortuna remain competitive in the upper reaches of the Eredivisie despite the uninspiring display.