Timon Wellenreuther is currently Feyenoord’s first goalkeeper. Coach Robin van Persie announced this on the Rotterdam club channel. The 29-year-old German is preferred over Justin Bijlow, who, according to Van Persie, is not match fit.
“Last month I indicated that Justin is basically the first goalkeeper. But of course you have to be fit and in shape,” Van Persie explained on the club channel.
“At the moment I am looking for a goalkeeper who can play three games a week. Justin is doing very well. But he is training fit, not match fit.”
Feyenoord plays Fenerbahçe on Wednesday in the Champions League preliminary rounds. First, an exhibition match with VfL Wolfsburg awaits on Saturday. Wellenreuther will take the place under the bar in both matches, Van Persie confirmed.
“This way we give Justin every opportunity to continue training to become even fitter, to return to his old level in terms of fitness and level in the near future.”
Transfer to Southampton falls through
Bijlow, 27, was regularly sidelined with injuries in recent seasons. He seemed close to a transfer to Southampton a year ago. But the transfer failed at the last moment because the English club had doubts about the keeper’s physical condition. The crowd favorite had already said goodbye to the Feyenoord fans.
Bijlow has played eight times for the Dutch national team. He is currently not part of national coach Ronald Koeman’s plans.
Feyenoord starts the new season in the Eredivisie on August 9 with a home match against NAC Breda.