Buijs on grabbing 't Zand: 'That's how you deal with each other on the street'

Fortuna Sittard manager Buijs defends his hands-on coaching style with loaned Feyenoord winger 't Zand, saying direct communication works best with players from tough backgrounds.

Fortuna Sittard manager Danny Buijs has defended his direct approach with Shiloh 't Zand after grabbing the winger during a substitution in NEC's match, risking a time penalty for slow compliance. Buijs explained that he has built a strong relationship with 't Zand, who joined on loan from Feyenoord over the summer after spending 18 months sidelined at the club.

Buijs said 't Zand is "a boy from Rotterdam-South, from the street" who responds better to direct, hands-on coaching than some other players. He compared the winger's background to Mohamed Ihattaren, noting they have different personalities and life experiences than teammates like Sven Simons or Philip Brittijn. "On the street, that's how you deal with each other," Buijs said. "I'm used to it too. A quick grab and move on."

The manager emphasized that his methods are only a problem if the player loses respect for him. "As long as they tell me: coach, I'll go through fire for you, I need you on my back, I give everything for them," Buijs said.