Many youth players excel, this preparation period at PSV. Something that Ruud van Nistelrooij also noticed. According to the trainer, they also have a good chance of being a basic player in a few weeks. Especially because PSV is struggling with a bunch of unfit players.
The first half of Tuesday evening during the Lichtstad derby against FC Eindhoven was a lot of fun. Trainer Ruud van Nistelrooij had a young team start. They handed over a business card.
“Some guys are doing surprisingly well,” said Van Nistelrooij. The trainer then gave Ismael Saibari as an example, who scored twice. “When you see his second goal, there is so much power in it. I really enjoyed him.”
“The eleven best players don’t always make the best team.”
The midfielder himself was also present at the press conference afterwards. He said he wanted to make as many minutes as possible. “I would like to succeed at PSV. I know there is a lot of competition but you also learn a lot from that. The boys also help me, which is nice of course,” Saibari says modestly.
But anyone who listens to Van Nistelrooij knows that youngsters can also get a chance with him. “I don’t shy away from making choices. I make the best team and the 11 best players don’t always make the best team. The best team that fights and sticks to agreements,” says the trainer.
“These guys have been in training for four weeks while some of the signings have only been on for two weeks.”
Yet it seems that, for example, a Cody Gakpo will also play against AS Monaco. The attacker is not yet fit but will be back soon. Time is running out for players like André Ramalho and Mauro Júnior. “I always choose the fittest players. I’m not interested in someone who is only half fit. I want everyone to be in top shape. These guys have been in training for four weeks while some of the acquisitions have only been in for two weeks. That is why they get enough opportunities and they take them.”
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