◆1 source
De Graafschap was due to play Roda JC in the second round of the KNVB Cup in Kerkrade. The Doetinchem side, coached by Thomas Duivenvoorden, had made a poor start to the league season and was seeking a positive result, although continuing in the league was the priority.
The match was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. No result was reported.
2 sources
De Graafschap was due to play away to Jong Ajax in Amsterdam in the Kitchen Champion Division, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00. The match was to be played near the Johan Cruijff ArenA after De Graafschap had had a free weekend.
1 source
De Graafschap lost 2–1 to Jong Ajax in Amsterdam in Thomas Duivenvoorden’s debut as a professional football coach. The 40-year-old trainer was described as deeply disillusioned after the match and now has to show that he is a good coach. Clubwatcher Raymond Willemsen said De Graafschap had blamed itself for the defeat, while stressing that Duivenvoorden was not the only person responsible. The club’s situation was discussed in a podcast about De Graafschap.
1 source
De Graafschap was described as being in a deep crisis after disappointing performances left the club near the bottom of the standings. Problems outside the pitch were also said to have persisted for years, with resignation and frustration surrounding the Achterhoek club and concerns about a lack of vision and ambition. Trainer Thomas Duivenvoorden said he still had enough confidence to reverse the situation and finish the season in the promotion playoffs. After training on Thursday, he said the team had a problem to solve together but that he believed the players supported his approach.