PSV Looking to Bolster Defensive Ranks After Shaky Display Against Feyenoord
- BySebastiaan Vandersteen --
- 2024-08-05 13:01:52 --
- 0 Comments --
- NL
The Johan Cruijff Shield match between PSV and Feyenoord proved to be a revealing one for sporting director Earnie Stewart. PSV may have avoided defeat on home soil, but their eventual penalty shootout loss to their Rotterdammer rivals highlighted some glaring defensive issues that need addressing.
Defensive Woes Continue for PSV
Walter Benítez in the PSV goal never looked like he would save any of Feyenoord's penalties, despite making some decent saves during the match. However, the real problem for PSV lay not with their goalkeeper, but with the shaky performance of their backline.
Veteran icons Willy and René van de Kerkhof were scathing in their assessment, describing PSV's defense as "a Swiss cheese." Willy van de Kerkhof was particularly critical, stating that if someone is willing to pay €10 million for Jordan Teze, "you should sell him off immediately."
While René van de Kerkhof believes Teze has improved significantly and could fetch €15 million next year, Willy is adamant that the current offer should be accepted. "€10 million for a defender? Come on, you should definitely let him go for that, especially after seeing him play against Feyenoord."
Bakayoko's penalty miss also drew the ire of the Van de Kerkhof brothers, with René criticizing the midfielder's decision to stop midway through his run-up, and Willy lambasting the weak execution of the spot kick.
"As you stop halfway through your run-up, you can never shoot as hard as when you keep going."
With the futures of players like Bakayoko, Veerman, Schouten, and Teze uncertain, the Van de Kerkhofs expect no mass exodus, but recognize that a failed transfer could negatively impact the players' morale and performances.
Searching for Defensive Reinforcements
It's clear that Earnie Stewart and the PSV management have their work cut out for them in the coming weeks. The club is reportedly actively searching for reinforcements at right-back, left-back, and in central defense.
The potential departure of Teze to AS Monaco for a reported €10 million plus €3 million in bonuses has only exacerbated the defensive issues. With Mauro Júnior and Sergiño Dest sidelined, the left-back position has also become a concern, leading to speculation that PSV could look to re-sign the recently departed Patrick van Aanholt.
Coach Peter Bosz acknowledges the defensive problems but is pragmatic about the situation. He understands that as a Dutch club, PSV is not in a position to dictate the futures of their players, especially with Teze's contract expiring in a year. Bosz will not stand in the way of a potential transfer, but he will make his opinion known to the club's leadership.
"No, I'll never do that. That's not my job. I have to make the lineup and work with the players who are there. Fortunately, the club does consult with me, and then I give my opinion. But it's not like I say: I don't want that to happen."
The coming weeks will be crucial for PSV, as they look to shore up their defense and ensure they have the necessary personnel to challenge for the Eredivisie title. With the Van de Kerkhof brothers providing their frank assessment, the pressure is on Earnie Stewart and Peter Bosz to make the right decisions and strengthen the team's backline.
Conclusion
The Johan Cruijff Shield match against Feyenoord has highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities within the PSV squad. Earnie Stewart and Peter Bosz will need to act quickly to address these issues, with the potential departure of Jordan Teze and the lack of depth at left-back adding to the club's concerns.
The Van de Kerkhof brothers have provided their candid assessment, and the PSV management will need to heed their warning and take decisive action in the transfer market. With the new Eredivisie season just around the corner, the club's title aspirations could hinge on their ability to bolster the defensive ranks and instill a sense of stability at the back.