Haps: “I really believe in the project of this club”

As Venezia prepare to face newly-promoted FC Südtirol in Bolzano in Giornata 2 of the 2022/23 Serie B season, Suriname international Ridgeciano Haps reflected on the last match, the state of team, and his decision to remain at the club.

“In the season opener against Genoa, I started on the left wing of the attack, a position that I haven’t played since my days at Feyenoord. Left-back happens to be my preferred position, but I am always available to the manager to do whatever the team needs from me, and I can adapt to any position on the left flank.

Sunday’s result doesn’t satisfy us, but we do feel good about our performance. We did a good job considering the difficulties resulting from the late return to the squad of the players out with Covid, and considering the quality of our opponents. We have a young team, and still we need more time together on and off the pitch to get to know each other. The preseason camp in Rogla was definitely positive; we just have to continue in that direction. We have to be careful especially not to lose focus in the final minutes of matches, which has already cost us two losses.

I really believe in the project of this club, and that’s why I decided to stay despite having received offers to go elsewhere. Many of my teammates from last season have renewed their contracts, which is encouraging. By now, I feel at home in Venice — the people are welcoming, and the club feels like family to me. These are the factors that I took into consideration when deciding whether to stay or leave, and I was convinced about my decision.”