The midfield at PSV is almost as changeable as the weather. Different choices seem to be made every week. Correctly predicting the midfield is now more difficult than choosing the right lotto numbers. Ruud van Nistelrooij explained on Friday in the run-up to the away match against Volendam how he determines the midfield.
Van Nistelrooij certainly wants to call Volendam a ‘snack’. PSV won 7-1 at home against the relegation candidate, but according to the trainer that was a completely different Volendam.
“They have made an important development. They have started playing football more realistically. Much more business-like and purely on personal preservation. Not more than rightly so.”
“We try to keep the base as constant as possible”
Against Volendam, Van Nistelrooij can again rely on Luuk de Jong, who dropped out against Excelsior last week. Furthermore, the trainer seems to have found a new midfield, the question is for how long?
“We try to keep the base as constant as possible. Now and then you adjust something because other guys are needed or show good things.”
But the midfield of PSV is not that constant at all. Every week it seems different and there are also quite a few changes in matches. This requires an explanation from the trainer. “Managing the midfield is also being fair to my players. That is not always fun and you also notice that with some players. But everyone remains motivated.”
“If boys get the chance and they do well, you leave them”
The former striker continues his explanation: “The midfield also depends on the opponent and the form. When guys get the chance and they do it well, you leave them. But as soon as the shape is less, take them out. That is also part of a club like PSV.”
Yet there seems to be no strings attached. Ibrahim Sangaré now has to settle for a place on the bench after one lesser game, while the almost forgotten Erick Gutiérrez can show up again. Correctly predicting the midfield is now more difficult than choosing the right lotto numbers.