The descent into the Eerste Divisie became even more important. There was a lot of pressure at Sittard on coach Dennis van der Rey and his players. Knowing that Emin won. But instead of starting sharply, an already troubled Pride of the North fell 1-0 down in the space of five minutes. It’s not the first time this season that an early deficit has been a reality. Thanks to Ragnar Oratmanguin’s ridiculous loss of possession.

Groningen didn’t play that bad for the remainder of the game, but there was no biting. The home team left everything behind and was significantly more effective. By the way, several times Groningen was unlucky when Elvis Manu saw two goals disallowed for offside. Shortly before the break, the Fest of Errors continued. Oratmangoen got goalkeeper Verrips in trouble with a tricky backpass, which sent the goalkeeper straight into the opponent’s feet. Ferribes made the first save, but had no chance on Cordoba’s rebound.

Fifteen minutes from time, FC Groningen was still getting paid for the work thanks to Riccardo Pepe’s 10th goal of the season, but they didn’t get more. The 18th loss of the season had to be swallowed. Uncertainty is increasing. Knowing that of the seven remaining duels, five complete victories would probably be required, while under van der Ree exactly one victory was achieved in thirteen duels. The straw gets thinner every week.

On Friday evening, FC Groningen will meet FC Utrecht, who are also struggling, in Euroburg. The question is whether van der Rey will sit on the sofa? It seems that the only option to force something is to change the coach. After all, the choice cannot be changed anymore. After Utrecht, home matches will follow against NEC, Ajax and Sparta and may visit RKC Walwick and Go Ahead Eagles and Vitesse.