Weekly Analysis

PSV stumble on opening night as Bosz faces early questions

Michut curled it into the top corner in the 92nd minute, and the Philips Stadion went silent. PSV 2–2 Fortuna Sittard, opening night of the title defence, two points gone before Ajax and Feyenoord have even played (1) (5). Peter Bosz called his team "bad" and it was hard to argue (4).

This was not a smash-and-grab. It was a deserved equaliser for Fortuna, and Danny Buijs admitted his game plan targeted PSV's back line directly: "Those guys at the back are not in form" (24). He was right. The champions conceded first, fought back through Flamingo and a lovely Noah Fernandez chip, then collapsed deep in stoppage time (1) (5) (26). Waterreus put it bluntly: "The urgency seems to be missing" (36).

Bosz under pressure, again

Bosz was prickly after the match. When a reporter asked about mentality, he snapped: "I find this really strange what you're saying now" (6). This is the third spell of heavy weather in his PSV tenure, and he knows it: "You have zero guarantees" (31). The Oranje rumours are not helping. Reports that he could still take the national team job persist (38). A coach answering questions about his future after matchday one is never a good sign.

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Sano arrives, but the deal stings

PSV completed the signing of Kodai Sano from NEC, a midfielder Bosz admitted the squad needed: "We're not very well-staffed in that position" (30). But NEC director Wilco van Schaik is furious. The transfer was finalised on NEC's match day against Olympiakos, and Van Schaik said: "This decision disappoints us" (3) (11). The player is in, but the relationship with NEC is damaged, and that matters in a league where future deals often run through the same channels.

Driouech and the Rangers push

Rangers have made an improved offer for Couhaib Driouech, and Derek McInnes wants him (10) (28) (35). PSV must decide whether the fee is worth losing a depth winger in a season that already looks complicated. The window is open. The phone will keep ringing.

Excelsior away

PSV go to Excelsior on Saturday, August 15. That is a fixture a champion wins, but this defence just shipped two at home to Fortuna Sittard. Bosz has a week to find shape, urgency, and a clean sheet. The title defence started with a whimper. It needs a response.

Sources

  • 1. rtl.nl — Landskampioen PSV begint Eredivisie met gelijkspel tegen Fortuna
  • 3. fcupdate.nl — Van Schaik over pijnlijk vertrek Sano bij NEC: 'Deze beslissing stelt ons teleur'
  • 4. nieuws.nl — Bosz zag 'slecht' PSV in openingsduel tegen Fortuna Sittard (2-2)
  • 5. sportnieuws.nl — Nieuwe blamage voor slordig PSV: landskampioen verspeelt punten tegen Fortuna Sittard
  • 6. fcupdate.nl — Bosz geprikkeld na puntverlies tegen Fortuna: 'Dit vind ik echt raar wat je nu zegt'
  • 10. uk.sports.yahoo.com — How much Rangers want to sign Couhaib Driouech for, sources reveal truth behind first bid
  • 11. voetbalzone.nl — NEC-directeur onthult geschonden afspraken rond transfer Kodai Sano naar PSV
  • 24. telegraaf.nl — Danny Buijs speelde met strijdplan Fortuna Sittard in op achilleshiel PSV: ’Die jongens achterin verkeren niet in bloedvorm’
  • 26. hln.be — Met een subtiele stift: jeugdinternational Noah Fernandez scoort knappe goal voor PSV
  • 28. bbc.co.uk — Rangers make improved offer for PSV's Driouech - gossip
  • 30. voetbalprimeur.nl — Bosz gaat in op bevestigde PSV-transfer: 'Op die positie niet heel dik bezet'
  • 31. vi.nl — Bosz voor derde keer in zwaar weer bij PSV: 'Je hebt nul garanties'
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