Vitesse Arnhem recently made the news once more in Chelsea’s papers after loanee Armando Broja put it commendable performances in the KNVB Cup semi-final against VVV Venlo, where he scored a majestic header.
Chelsea have sent an astonishing 29 players on loan to the Dutch club in last decade – including the likes of the current midfield genius Mason Mount, Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic and most recently striker Armando Broja.
Vitesse Sporting Director Johannes Spors spoke in an exclusive with Goal.com, and insisted Vitesse are no ‘satellite club’ – a concept that has attracted eyes due to the large number of loanees the club have acquired from the Bridge.
The reason for the blossoming partnership between the clubs is a good relationship between Roman Abramovich and Vitesse’s Russian owner Valeriy Oyf, who are ‘good friends’, according to Mr.Spors.
“The owners know each other well; that’s the starting point. That’s where it comes from. Not so much more to it than that. We have good contact and communication.
Honestly though, I have a lot of these kinds of conversations with other big clubs. Everyone knows we are no satellite club, it is just a good conversation between the clubs and we are very happy about that. It’s good to have a big club like Chelsea to share thoughts with,” he said.
Earlier in the year, he spoke to The Guardian, in quotes picked up by talkChelsea, about how Vitesse have ‘great cooperation’ from Chelsea’s top management, mainly technical & performance advisor Petr Cech. He also elucidated how he had to ‘fight’ to lure Broja on loan.
Vitesse meet giants Ajax in the KNVB Cup final on April 18, 2021.
The Eredivisie and other Dutch competitions provide enough world-class incentive for players to move from Stamford Bridge to the GelreDome.
The good relationship between the clubs is something to cherish and look forward to as it breeds the development of youth players.