Guus Hiddink thoroughly enjoys the developments that Cody Gakpo is going through at PSV. The former national coach of, among others, Curaçao, where he said goodbye on September 9, looks back in a video item from PSV on the conversations he had with the right winger of the Eindhoven team and provides insight into his own plans for the future.
The 74-year-old Hiddink announced in September that he would stop as technical director and national coach of Curaçao, but the former coach is now regularly present at PSV training sessions and matches ‘to talk to players and trainers’, he says. “How do I look at PSV now? It looks good,” says Hiddink. “Last year I thought it was a bit more chaotic, which made you vulnerable. I think there is now a bit more positional structure, which brings out the individual qualities of the players.”
“There are a number of guys who have developed well,” continues Hiddink. “What I really like to see is the development of, for example, Gakpo. During the time I was there with Ernest Faber (interim trainer at PSV in the 2019/20 season, red) I always talked to the boys at De Herdgang. Then I would say, ‘You have the options and think a few steps further. Where do you think you can play best?’”, the former elector refers to his conversations with Gakpo.
“In the early days I thought Gakpo started his actions too much from the left back position. In that case he has to cross diagonally and at least fifty meters, while he has the skill to outplay people and that gives a lot of extras to your team. Madueke can do that too. But then you go talk to that boy and let him know that he needs to work between the lines and against the enemy defenses a little more. Then he doesn’t have to bridge fifty meters, but thirty meters. Those are interesting things that I like to talk about with players and trainers,” said Hiddink.
Finally, Hiddink indicates that he is doing well, even after he ended up in hospital due to infection with the corona virus. “It is quiet. Too quiet”, says Hiddink with a smile. “I’m having a good time and I’m talking left and right with players and coaches. Every now and then I still show my face at De Herdgang or in the stadium. Am I still open to new challenges? Yes, I am always open to new challenges. But it’s not like I call the world and ask if there’s still a place for me. If advice is needed for trainers, players, people around the club, I like to spar. And I will continue to do that”, concludes Hiddink.