In addition to reaching the semi-finals of the KNVB Cup, Ruud van Nistelrooij had another great highlight on Thursday evening. The reunion with his former trainer Dick Advocaat was a special moment for the former striker. “I will always call him trainer.”
It was not difficult for PSV on Thursday evening against ADO, which had fielded a B-team. But that was the merit of the home team, according to Van Nistelrooij. “ADO gave everything, but we didn’t give them a chance. I have to compliment my team for that.”
The view will now quickly turn in Eindhoven and the surrounding area towards Saturday evening when the cup draw is on the program. Yet there is an exception. “I’m going to wait and see,” said the PSV trainer. “I’m not going to watch it. I’ll hear it for sure. Of course I hope for a favorable draw. But above all a home game.”
“I have a lot of respect for him”
Then the other highlight of the evening. The reunion with Dick Advocaat. “Great to see him here again”, Van Nistelrooij beamed. “I still call him coach. I have a lot of respect for him.”
The two spoke before the game. “It’s about the families and things like that.” Whether the trainer also received a tip from his ‘teacher’? “I heard him say something about me releasing my attackers. He agreed. So I will continue with that”, said the former striker with a laugh.
There was less reason for a smile for Guus Til. The midfielder sprained his ankle. It is still unclear how bad the injury is. It remains to be seen what it will look like in 24 hours, Van Nistelrooij said.