Cole Bassett opens up on failed Fortuna Sittard spell following Colorado Rapids return

Having left for Europe less than a year ago, Cole Bassett probably didn't expect to be back with the Colorado Rapids quite so soon.

Nevertheless, the once-capped United States international midfielder returned to Denver last month after less-than-ideal spells on loan at Dutch clubs Feyenoord and Fortuna Sittard.

Given the former's stature in Dutch soccer as 15-time champions (as recently as 2017) and former European champions, perhaps it was to be expected that Bassett would struggle for game time. However, the latter was a completely different story and one the 21-year-old has now opened up about.

“It wasn’t easiest. But that’s football," Bassett told Burgundy Wave, elaborating: "That coach (Sjors Ultee) was really making a push to bring me in. When it finally got done, it was disappointing to see him leave after three days, three training sessions. Having to adapt so much to a place where you thought you were going to go and play all the time, it was unfortunate. We got unlucky with the move. It was all that we wanted it to be at the start. We didn’t know as much about the club as we thought.”

Ultee was relieved of his duties shortly after Bassett's first game for Fortuna and while the midfielder was reluctant to say too much, he certainly hinted at being sold a very different image of the club than reality.

“I can’t say everything about what happened and the narrative," he said. "It’s hard for people behind the scenes that didn’t see everything to realize what it was. It’s in the past now. I don’t want to look back on my time at Sittard to where it affects my career.”

There's still every chance Bassett could quickly return to Europe but for now, he's planning for life back with the Rapids, helping solidify the midfield and return Robin Fraser's side back to the MLS Cup Playoffs.

“Since I’ve left I’ve become more reliable on the ball. If you talked to Robin and asked him straight up when I was leaving, he would say it’s that. I’ve become more comfortable on that ball and more confident in possession. Coming back, I’d like to add that. Maybe that means playing a deeper role, next to (Jack Price).”

And what about Bassett's continued European aspirations after this early setback?

“I’m really glad I went over there. Hopefully I go back one day whether it’s in a couple years or soon.”

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