Ruud van Nistelrooij can look back on a great week and a good transfer period so far. The PSV trainer hands out compliments to the players and the management. In conversation with the former top striker, we discuss the new acquisitions, the training camp and the way of playing for the coming season.
How was the training camp?
“I enjoyed it. It’s great working here. You don’t have to travel, you can have a lot of conversations with players and of course we trained hard. The players have the will to give everything for the club and the success that comes with it. We want to make the supporters proud. You can taste that this week.”
You’ve had conversations, including with Cody Gakpo and Ibrahim Sangaré. How are they in it?
“They are completely focused on PSV. They do everything for the team. Both players are not concerned with their future. It is good that they also experience this week and feel the atmosphere within the group. They want to be part of this project .”
“For now I am counting on both Gakpo and Sangaré but we also have to be realistic. For now they will stay until further notice, but a lot can still happen.”
Seven new players have now been presented. Are you satisfied with the current transfer window?
“I think a fantastic job has been done. Our priorities (striker and goalkeeper) were already in place before the training camp. I am super happy with those guys.”
“The selection has come a long way, but let’s not close the circle yet. There is still an opportunity to strengthen ourselves. That could possibly be at the back. But we already have three top players there with André Ramalho, Jordan Teze and Olivier Boscagli. In addition, Armando Obispo is a potential top player. Derrick Luckassen is also showing himself well. So it’s just a matter of time to see to what extent we strengthen ourselves there.”
What kind of PSV can we expect this season?
“A PSV that will create more opportunities from possession of the ball. We are not going to create chances too hastily. Patience is very important. That will be something different from last year. Also to prevent the number of goals against.”
A number of boys from Jong PSV were again affiliated with the training camp. You know them very well, who will we see in the first team next season?
“PSV used to be a buying club, but a few years ago they took a different path. You now see that 17 boys come from our own training. That is quite an achievement.”
“There is certainly a chance that two or three will break through this season. Johan Bakayoko, Kjell Peersman, Ismael Saibari and Frederik Oppegard will join the first team. Other guys will return to Jong PSV. But they are in a difficult position. very strong first division. They will make the step to PSV 1 in two years.”