Heerenveen coach Gert Jan Verbeek insists the Eredivisie is his side's priority before their home clash with struggling Willem II on Saturday.
Verbeek's side face Levski Sofia on Wednesday in a game which, if they win, could see them progress to the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup, but the coach would rather his side concentrate on ensuring they qualify for Europe again next
year.
Heerenveen are ninth in the table with 21 points from their 14 games after being beaten 2-1 at AZ last weekend, and they know that a win over second-bottom Willem will help keep them in the fight for next year's European spots.
Verbeek said: "It would be great if we can play more European football after the winter break, but it's not our top goal.
"The Eredivisie is more important to us.
"I will start against Willem II with an attacking team. I know that they come here for a win but we want to win too. It is possible that Arnold Bruggink will start again, as he has played well in the last few weeks.
The Abe Lenstra Stadium will be full for the visit of Willem, who have lost each of their last five games.
With their next four matches against teams who are in the top half of the table, there doesn't appear to be much light at the end of the tunnel.
However, new coach Kees Zwamborn has had a week and a half to work with his players since their last match, and he is hopeful they can get a result against Heerenveen. He said: "Tactically, Heerenveen are not the most difficult
opponents. We know how they will play."
Willem midfielder Tom Caluwe knows that his side must improve if they are to have any chance of preserving their Eredivisie status.
He said: "We have to perform better quickly, but that won't be easy, because there is a lack in confidence.
"I have been trying to do a lot on the field in recent weeks, but it has been affecting my performances.
"We just need one win and then we will improve."
Oscar Moens (foot), Frank van Mosselveld (ankle), Iwan Redan and Sven Delanoy (both ill) are all doubts for the visitors, while Jos van Nieuwstadt has been suspended by the club after comments made in a local newspaper.
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