Fortuna Sittard are enjoying their best start to a season in the 21st century. Danny Buijs's side sit sixth in the Eredivisie with 13 points from seven games, a feat the head coach describes as rare.
The 44-year-old manager spoke after Saturday evening's 0-1 victory at Willem II. "We have to cherish this, because this is not something we are going to experience often. That's the reality," Buijs told reporters. He acknowledged fortune had favoured Fortuna a few times, including in Tilburg where an early handball by Nathan Tjoe-A-On on Ivo Pinto did not result in a penalty.
Buijs reacted with laughter to the VAR decision by Dennis Higler. "It's possible you don't see it during the match, right?"
The only time Fortuna had more points after seven matchdays was in the 1985/86 season, when they collected 14 points. The team finished eighth that year. The current run is notable because ten of the thirteen points were earned in away matches, including the latest win via a late goal from Philip Brittijn.
Recent form of three wins from the last five games, including a 3-2 victory in Groningen, has lifted Fortuna to sixth place. The team has scored 13 goals and conceded 14. The top scorer this season is M. Ihattaren with three goals.
The next challenge is a home match against FC Twente on 10 October. Twente currently sit fifth, one place above Fortuna. The full standings and fixtures schedule are available. Before the match in Tilburg, Buijs had predicted the team that scored first would win, a prediction that came true. The coach stressed that the focus is now entirely on preparing for the visit of FC Twente, a direct rival in the upper echelons of the league.
Background and full detail: Voetbal International
