With the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooij as PSV head coach, the ambition remains the same: to become champion. In addition, the club hopes that the coach can appeal to strong holders such as Cody Gakpo and Ibrahim Sangaré. There is a real chance that they will stay, thinks technical director John de Jong.
Last season was described by John de Jong as successful, but it still gnaws at him that the title was not taken. After four seasons without a national title, that has to change next year. “Our ambition and objective will always be to compete for the championship. Ruud van Nistelrooij also gets this target.”
The new PSV trainer is in good shape with the technical director. “Ruud has an enormous drive. I am convinced that we will achieve the desired goals with him.”
“Cody Gakpo and Ibrahim Sangaré haven’t closed the door yet.”
Before the new season starts, PSV will have a busy transfer summer. Although de Jong is clear about his intentions during this transfer period: “We want to keep the group together as much as possible.”
To this end, the first steps have been taken. For example, the technical director was in Mexico last week to make Erick Gutiérrez a contract offer. The Mexican has not yet responded. It was announced that Jordan Teze will extend his contract until 2025.
Cody Gakpo and Ibrahim Sangaré would also like to keep De Jong. According to him, there is a ‘real chance’ that they will still play in Eindhoven next season. “They haven’t slammed the door yet. Neither of them would mind staying here.”
“In the past, goalkeepers have been written off at PSV more often, who eventually became an important link.”
Besides the fact that PSV wants to keep the current group of players together as much as possible, it will also strengthen itself. The technical director has been in different countries and continents in recent weeks. A keeper and a striker seem to have priority. Luuk de Jong is in the picture for the striker position. With regard to a goalkeeper, John de Jong did not comment on names.
“Don’t forget that we still have Joël Drommel. In the past, goalkeepers have been written off at PSV more often, who eventually became an important link. But the fact remains that a keeper will be added.”
“The players also know that we want clarity at some point. An important period is approaching.”
The technical director does not have extensive time. The first training is scheduled for June 20. The first matches in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League await in the first week of August.
“The players also know that we want clarity at some point. An important period is approaching. We want to participate again in the group stage of the Champions League.”