ESPN analyst expects no quick agreement between PSV and FC Twente: 'In the past, maybe there was something there'
1 min readNext Sunday, the final matchday of the Eredivisie is on the calendar. PSV will take on number 3 FC Twente at home, after FC Twente managed to secure third place from NEC last Sunday.
The Tukkers won themselves 4-0 at home against Sparta Rotterdam and saw that the Nijmegen side lost 2-1 away at FC Groningen. As a result, the team of John van den Brom is two points ahead of NEC with one match still to be played.
Now the Twente people are getting ready for the final league match away at PSV. Peter Bosz's team has had the national title for a long time now and, in principle, has nothing left to play for.
Nevertheless, PSV could still play a major role in the race for the Champions League qualifying round. There are also reports that PSV might potentially ease off against FC Twente in order to condemn rival Ajax to having to play the play-offs for the Conference League qualifying round.
ESPN analyst Christian Willaert, however, does not think that Bosz's team will just let the match against FC Twente run its course. “Gossip has claimed that that last match between PSV and FC Twente could be one in which PSV intentionally eases off the gas to trip up Ajax. That would mean Twente would go to the preliminary rounds, based on the idea that they have less chance of surviving, because at the draws they naturally have a different European status,” says Willaert on ESPN.
Then the financial pictures also come into view. ''In this way, PSV would ultimately receive more money from the Champions League. In the past, there might still have been something in it, with the so-called marketing pool and that kind of setup. But in the meantime, the rewards structure has changed and become much more complex'', the analyst continues.
Despite these speculations, Willaert is adamant. ''The difference between the amount you get with one or two Dutch clubs in the Champions League, or with two or three, is nowadays actually very small. In that respect, PSV therefore has absolutely no interest in it. And apart from that: let's make that clear right away too, PSV and Peter Bosz will never let that last home match of the season go to waste anyway'', the ESPN analyst said.
Comments9
Honestly, the fact they're talking about game management instead of just vibes is refreshing. If they can keep their composure late on, that's where PSV usually win tight matches.
Honestly, I am more interested in the game management than the headline tactics. If PSV can keep the tempo, Luuk de Jong type finishes will show up at the right moments.
PSV have the talent, no doubt, but consistency is the real question. One good performance is nice, but can they do it against the bigger sides too?
That praise for the wide areas is what I want more of. If the fullbacks keep overlapping and the wingers stay direct, you can really see chances start coming.
I'm not fully convinced about the lineup balance. Too many times it feels like they're either all-in on attack or a step slow when the ball gets turned over.
The way the article talks about the pressing triggers sounds spot on. When PSV lock onto the passing lanes early, it feels like other teams just lose their rhythm.
I like the ambition, but I worry the shape gets messy if we lose it quickly. Against faster transitions, the back line can't just rely on recovery runs all night.
That bit about PSV pressing higher sounds right. When we win the ball in midfield, Zahavi and Tillman seem to get more space to hurt teams.
If PSV are going to be serious this season, that midfield control has to show up every week. Love seeing them push the tempo, but they still need to protect the counter a bit better.