It was a big downer for PSV. For the fourth year in a row, no Champions League football was reached. A blunder by André Ramalho killed the people of Eindhoven. Without looking at players personally, Ruud van Nistelrooij was very disappointed afterwards.
Ruud van Nistelrooij regularly used the word details afterwards. And not a word was lied about that. A blunder by his goalkeeper in Scotland and a week later by his central defender ensure that the brand new head coach does not reach the million-dollar ball.
“The details make the difference in these kinds of matches. It was obvious that the tension was on. It was close in two games. In the end, own mistakes are the deciding factor.”
“We have not been the lesser club in two games”
The trainer emphasized that he does not personally attack players on this. But the fact that the PSV failed again hit hard. “In two games we have to conclude that it has become Europa League football. That is a painful conclusion.”
Another turning point in the match was the substitution of Luuk de Jong at half time. “I have a muscle injury,” said the striker afterwards. “I agree with the trainer. The matches are decided on details. We should have made at least one ourselves.”
“It is a hard conclusion that we are not good enough yet”
Despite the fact that details determine the decision, the defeat was mostly unnecessary according to Van Nistelrooij. “We have not been the lesser club in two games. That just makes it more painful.”
However, the trainer also looked a bit ahead. “We are a team under construction. It doesn’t stop here. We continue in the Europa League, cup and competition. We will have to make steps as a team towards the Champions League. It is a hard conclusion that we are not good enough yet.”
Also read: PSV misses Champions League group stage after Ramalho blunder
