After ‘Super Sunday’ on which Feyenoord won at Ajax and PSV lost points at a relegation candidate, this season is going to fizzle out for the people of Eindhoven. PSV will not become champion again and whether things will improve after the summer is a serious question.
“This is really not possible,” said Xavi Simons after the draw against Vitesse. But that was also said after defeats against FC Groningen, SC Cambuur and FC Emmen, the bottom three of the ranking. The draw against number fourteen Vitesse is no longer an incident at PSV.
Leader Feyenoord is looked at with jealousy. If you put the two teams next to each other, you will see little difference in quality on the field. The big difference is mainly in the intensity. PSV is uninspired and lifeless in too many matches. The real will to win is missing.
“You can see that we are missing something. If you see Feyenoord playing football, it is really nice to see. That intensity… It is also there with us during the training sessions, but not in the matches”, Xavi Simons said afterwards.
“It’s something elusive”
The story of the trainer regarding these defeats can be drawn in advance. “It is something elusive,” said Ruud van Nistelrooij. A worrying reaction since PSV loses the title with these kinds of matches. The club is making it very difficult for itself this season, but especially next season.
To begin with, there is a big question mark behind the name Xavi Simons. The playmaker has quickly become the best player in the selection and yearns for Champions League football. There is a good chance that PSV will not be able to offer him that coming season. A departure from Simons would be a disaster for the Eindhoven club.
“I want to become champion and play Champions League”
Simons himself keeps a blow to the arm. “We will see what will happen next summer. I still have a contract for five years, but I want to become champion and play in the Champions League.”
This season the title is out of sight and it will be a hell of a job to finish second. Something that is a must next season. Because then the number two, just like the champion, will also qualify directly for the Champions League.
With this crucial season approaching, there is a lot of work to be done for PSV. In addition to creating a champion-worthy selection, there will also be a critical look at the technical staff. Because when something remains elusive, it might be the right thing to intervene.
Read also: PSV gives away the lead to Vitesse and sees the chance of winning the title evaporate