Orkun Kokcu is looking forward to making his debut in the Ajax-Feyenoord clash this Sunday, he told Voetbal International.
The midfielder has been a part of the Rotterdam club’s first team for five seasons, but has never before had the opportunity to play against Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena. He is now particularly looking forward to the match.
At the press conference prior to The Classic, Kokcu discussed why luck has not been on his side whenever his side were due to travel to Amsterdam.
He said: “I was suspended once, injured once, had coronavirus once, and I also sat on the bench once. I only played in that stadium once with Turkey, but the result wasn’t great. That’s why it’s up to me to make sure I leave the field on Sunday with a good feeling.”
The Feyenoord captain believes they have a good chance in the title race.
“We feel we can create something special. We also have easier opponents on paper, so that gives us confidence. Although they are now in a good flow,” he added.
Kökçü will not be wearing the One Love captain’s armband on Sunday, following a decision made by the KNVB. The Feyenoord star has expressed his opinion on the matter many times, and now he expects respect for his views.
His side go into the match in impressive form having thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk 7-1 at De Kuip and 8-2 on aggregate before they secured a quarter-final draw with Europa League Conference holders, AS Roma.
Kokcu also commented on the Europa League draw and is looking forward to facing Jose Mourinho’s side in UEFA’s second-tier competition. He said: “We were having lunch and saw that it was AS Roma. We were very close to winning it last season, so we immediately thought we wanted to take revenge. It’s certainly an exciting fixture.”
