Pascal Jansen will be making a special return to Vitesse on Friday ahead of their clash with AZ Alkmaar, Voetbal International reports.
The AZ head coach has fond memories of the club, having worked as head of youth academy there for nine years. He was also close to club icon Theo Bos, who sadly passed away ten years ago.
Speaking on the AZ website, Jansen fondly recalled his time at Vitesse. “I had a wonderful period there and worked with fantastic people, including Theo.
“It’s great that we can play against each other in memory of him. It’s always nice to come back, but this one is very special considering the load. I had a very good relationship with Theo.
“He welcomed me when I came to Vitesse and helped me find a house. I have only warm memories of him.”
The match between Vitesse and AZ has been moved forward in the schedule due to the Alkmaarders’ upcoming Europa Conference League clash against Lazio. For Jansen, it is a special occasion to be able to return to Vitesse and play the match in memory of Theo Bos.
Bos died at the age of 47 following a battle with pancreatic cancer in February 2013 after the diagnosis back in January 2012 which forced him to leave his job as FC Dordrecht’s head coach.
He was a defender during his professional career where he made over 400 appearances for Vitesse as a one-club man over a 15-year spell. Shortly after his death, the club retired the number four shirt in his memory.
