A vigorous discussion Sunday evening at Studio Voetbal between Ibrahim Afellay and Arno Vermeulen. The latter thinks that Roger Schmidt should deliver to PSV this season, while Afellay wonders aloud what the Eindhoven players have made with the German trainer at the helm. Schmidt’s exchange policy, among other things, raises many question marks at Afellay.
Schmidt was whistled by PSV supporters on Sunday when he took Cody Gakpo off the field early in the 0-4 loss against Feyenoord. The trainer caused a big surprise before the start of the game by having Noni Madueke start on the bench. “I think Götze is the only player in the squad who decides when he comes in or out. That’s just the only player who determines that, the rest has to dance to his tune,” Afellay said on Sunday evening Studio Football. “He also always talks about his players being tired. Maybe he should train differently. Maybe he should ask for Arne Slot’s number. That he asks how he trains his players in preparation so that he gets them fit.”
Schmidt on critical substitution policy: ‘It’s impossible to always draft the same players!’
The substitutions that Schmidt made on Sunday did not work out well. Last week that was a different story when he brought in Yorbe Vertessen and Ritsu Doan against AZ. PSV won 0-3, partly due to goals from the substitutes. “Against AZ he brings in players who score the second and third goal and bring in the game. So it works out very well there. Today it was a bit more incomprehensible. But it is clear that he has a philosophy. Only we do not agree with his philosophy. Sometimes he can’t make it clear to us what he wants, “says Vermeulen.
“What progress has PSV made since Roger Schmidt is at the helm?”, Afellay responded, who was told by Vermeulen that he is taking ‘a snapshot’ because he is making the statement after PSV lost 0-3. “It’s not a snapshot, it’s been going on for over a year! Do you see the hand of the trainer?” Afellay told Vermeulen. “This is a snapshot, he loses to Feyenoord”, was the answer from Vermeulen. “I don’t agree with you, this is not a snapshot. How long have we not talked about this?”, was Afellay’s response.
“He had a mediocre first year as a PSV coach. This year we are all excited about the roster he has. He was able to put it to his will. And this year he has to deliver with PSV”, Vermeulen continued. “But he has not yet delivered the first big goal. You can’t deliver against ten men from Benfica,” Afellay referred to the elimination in the play-offs of the Champions League. “I think you are going on now”, said Vermeulen, who thinks that PSV had bad luck against Benfica. “PSV really could have continued in the Champions League. So that is annoying for the club, but that can happen against Benfica. This season he has to deliver. He has to go European far, or become champion. And otherwise second at a short distance from Ajax.”