Mental coach helped passed PSV goalie Drommel: ‘Had a difficult time’

After a difficult period, the sun is shining again for Joël Drommel. Due to an injury to Walter Benitez, the 26-year-old goalkeeper will again have a chance in goal at PSV for a longer period of time. He worked hard for this and also spoke to a mental coach.

“It has been very difficult in the past period,” says Joël Drommel after the competition match won against RKC. The goalkeeper then refers to the past 1.5 years in Eindhoven, in which he made many mistakes and lost his place under the crossbar. Last summer, Walter Benítez came to PSV and had to settle for a spot on the bench again this season.

“I’ve had a difficult time. You come to PSV to play. Then it is of course annoying if you always have to start on the couch.”

“You don’t agree.”

When Drommel is asked if he thinks the decision is justified, he responds as follows: “You do not agree. You always find yourself better. Last year there were many ups and downs. Yvon Mvogo took his chance then. This year a goalkeeper will be brought in. That is of course not fun.”

When he lost his place under the bar last year, the PSV goalie spoke to a mental coach. “That is not a psychologist, but someone I can talk to. I needed it and it suits me fine.”

“Last season Joël made some mistakes.”

But the 26-year-old goalkeeper knows better than anyone that he ultimately has to stop the balls. “I have to give 100 percent every day. In training and now in matches. I can not do anything else. This opportunity feels like a new beginning. It’s only my first league game this season.”

For trainer Ruud van Nistelrooij there was no doubt to give Drommel a (forced) second chance. “Last season, Joël made some mistakes. Those are expensive learning moments. He then became insecure, but mentally he made great strides. He has always continued to work hard, then this opportunity is justified.”

“Hopefully afterwards I can keep the final in De Kuip.”

However, Benítez will normally appear under the bar again on a return and Drommel will have to make do with the cup games. “Spakenburg is also a good draw for that. Hopefully I can keep the final in De Kuip after that. That I look forward to.”

What happens next is still unclear, although the keeper knows what he wants. “I am at an age where I mainly want to play. We will see in the summer whether that is possible in Eindhoven.”

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