“This was quite a long spiel. He really went on a bit too long” - Van der Voort on Van Gerwen’s jibe at German opponent

Michael van Gerwen sparked talk last weekend not only with his play at the Euro Tour in Sindelfingen. The Dutchman also drew attention with strong remarks aimed at Michael Unterbuchner, after the German had responded with a wink ahead of their upcoming clash. The incident was discussed at length on the Darts Draait Door podcast, where Vincent van der Voort took a mild stance in defense of his close friend on the Darts Draait Door podcast.

Van Gerwen ultimately won the match convincingly, but it was his post-match interview that really stirred things up. The three-time world champion stated that Unterbuchner would never beat him in his entire career, not even if he turned up at the oche with his B- or C-game.

The response was prompted by a light-hearted comment from Unterbuchner. When told beforehand that he would face Van Gerwen in the next round, the German replied with a laugh: who? According to Van der Voort, Van Gerwen wasn’t too bothered by it, but it was clear what would follow. "Behind the scenes, Van Gerwen was jokingly asked if he shouldn't introduce himself to him. With him, you know: you're going to get it back.”

It therefore didn’t surprise him that Van Gerwen hit back hard. “He did go in with all guns blazing. People must know Van Gerwen a bit by now. It's not really serious insulting, more joking around and him wanting to say something back. But keeping it in check is hard for him.”

The podcast put forward the claim that Unterbuchner will never beat Van Gerwen. Van der Voort disagreed. The former pro believes Van Gerwen isn’t untouchable, especially when his level dips. “If he plays like he did last weekend, his worst Euro Tour match ever, then he will lose to Unterbuchner too.”

With that, Van der Voort immediately added nuance to his close friend’s firm words. While Van Gerwen at his peak is the favorite against almost anyone, he sees no reason to declare Unterbuchner without a chance in advance.

Still, Van der Voort felt Van Gerwen overstepped with his reaction. One jab would have sufficed, in his view. “He could have made just one comment and that would have been the end of it. This was quite a long spiel. He really went on a bit too long.”

Yet he believes that also fits Van Gerwen’s character, as he has long been known for his direct style and hard lines. “But that’s just part of him; everyone knows that. He’s known for giving everyone a piece of his mind.”

According to Van der Voort, that attitude should also be put in perspective. Van Gerwen himself has to deal with plenty of criticism and comments. “People can have their opinions about it, but he gets those comments himself too and is fine with it.”

Podcast host Damian Vlottes watched Van Gerwen’s remarks with mixed feelings. He feels it’s a shame the Dutchman now aims his sharpest verbal barbs at players like Unterbuchner or, last year, Pero Ljubic. "He used to put big players like Phil Taylor in their place.”

Van der Voort understood the comparison but also pointed to today’s reality. “With all due respect,” he replied, "It isn't meant to be mean, but he doesn't play against the big players as often anymore. He doesn't get far enough in tournaments. So there's not much to talk about regarding them."