Eddy Achterberg still has “chicken skin” when he thinks of his FC Schalke 04. But he is also a legend at Twente Enschede. We spoke to him at the match between the two teams in Marl.

Eddy Achterberg worked for FC Schalke 04 for eight years. Four of those years as assistant coach to Fred Rutten and Huub Stevens. He worked as a scout for the Royal Blues for a further four years.

But the connection between Twente Enschede and Achterberg is even longer. Until last year, the now 77-year-old, who lives just five minutes away from the stadium “De Grolsch Veste”, was a representative for the Tukker.

It goes without saying that he did not want to miss the match between his two clubs at the bathing pond in Marl-Hüls. The Dutchman, who is now in poor health, proudly showed off his wristwatch with the S04 logo, which he had received as a 70th birthday present from the Royal Blues.

“I was also at Schalke Day in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday. It’s still nice to take part. Blue and white still makes my skin crawl,” said Achterberg. “That’s not going to change.” He is also still in close contact with Huub Stevens. “We still meet three or four times a year and have a coffee together,” explained the Dutchman. Of course, Schalke is then often a topic of conversation

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Also the sporting relegation that the club has suffered in recent years since his departure in 2009. But there is no point in looking backwards. “The game against Twente was pretty good. That should give us confidence for the coming weeks and months,” said Achterberg. He was impressed by the performance in the first half, when the Champions League qualifiers Enschede were able to hold their own in every respect.

Twente could also serve as an example for S04 of what can be achieved with good and continuous development work over several years. He also visits the Royal Blues two or three times a season. “Preferably at some point soon when we get promoted again,” he laughed. S04 could have the team together for that. “You have to look that good against Twente first,” praised Achterberg. He has high hopes for a good start to the season