PSV has started the new season. With Ruud van Nistelrooij, the club wants to take major sporting steps. The trainer spoke to the press after the first training session. In it he indicated that he had towering ambitions.
At PSV it is sometimes said that the gap to Ajax is very difficult to close. In terms of budget, the Amsterdammers are a bigger club, but Van Nistelrooij does not want to use that as an excuse.
“I don’t look at budgets. I want to win all national trophies and reach the Champions League. You have to believe in that as a group. It is possible and our mission for this year.”
That PSV and Van Nistelrooij think big is also reflected in the transfer policy. The transfer of Walter Benitez was confirmed by the trainer on Monday afternoon. A goalkeeper who has impressed in the French league in recent years. It was previously announced that Luuk de Jong is a candidate for the striker position.
“It’s all about winning”
“After last season it was clear where the priorities lie in the transfer market. I’m glad we can add Benitez.”
He could not give any good news about the striker position. The trainer is still having many conversations and hopes to get clarity in the coming weeks.
Van Nistelrooij indicated that character is especially important to him. He wants to create a team with the right attitude. “It’s all about winning. Preferably with good football, but if we have to be in front of the goal once, we should be able to do that too.”
The former striker did not want to do anyone from the previous season short, but did indicate that he would do things differently. “Things are going to change. For example, I will also be doing something else in the build-up. A little more calm in the game.”
The 45-year-old trainer also indicated that the defense has to improve. That is an important part of the preparation.
“If the management hadn’t changed, I wouldn’t be here”
Finally, it was about the choice to become PSV head coach. Van Nistelrooij initially thanked him for the position last season, but later came back to this. Marcel Brands is the main reason for accepting the vacancy.
“I got a call from Marcel. Some other emphases have been placed in the organization. I really wanted to be part of this new start. If the management hadn’t changed, I wouldn’t be here.”
The trainer did not want to comment on what changes there have been in the organization. He also indicated that he had nothing against former general manager Toon Gerbrands.
In six weeks we will know whether the ambitions can be realized. Then the Johan Cruijff Scale is on the program. A few days later, the first match in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League awaits.