With Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord, AZ and Vitesse, five clubs will be in action in Europe this season. Louis van Gaal does not think it is a coincidence that the Eredivisie supplies this number of clubs to the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. The national coach of the Dutch national team finds it worrying that relatively many foreign players play at Dutch clubs.
“It is worrying in relation to Dutch football,” said Van Gaal on Friday afternoon during a press conference at the announcement of the the Dutch selection. “You always hope that the Dutch players can handle the Champions League level. You hope so. But the scouts and trainers determine that this is not the case, otherwise they would be drafted. It also depends on the level of education, and whether you sell a lot in one go. You see that happening at AZ now.”
Ajax qualified directly for the Champions League as champion. PSV was well on its way, but was eliminated in the play-offs by Benfica. “PSV could also have advanced to the Champions League. Portuguese opponents are basically very difficult opponents; that is why I am also surprised that the media finds it an easy group for Ajax,” said Van Gaal about the Champions League draw of the team from Amsterdam. The team of coach Erik ten Hag is linked to Sporting Portugal, Borussia Dortmund and Besiktas in the group stage. “I don’t see it that way. It is a great pity that PSV is not through, but it could also have been the other way around. On the other hand: you play with eleven against ten for a long time. Then you can expect better.”
PSV encounters AS Monaco, Real Sociedad and Sturm Graz
PSV has drawn heavily in the group stage of the Europa League.
PSV will play in the Europa League this season, while AZ, Feyenoord and Vitesse will play in the Conference League. “We are going through a good phase. We are through, only AZ has not, but AZ has also undergone a major metamorphosis. I couldn’t watch that match because I didn’t know where to watch it. I asked a Manchester United scout. YouTube, I heard. But I couldn’t find it.” AZ – Celtic was not broadcast on Dutch television on Thursday. The Alkmaarders, who owned the broadcasting rights as the home party, were unable to reach an agreement with a Dutch TV channel.