In a candid interview, PSV Eindhoven's captain Luuk de Jong opened up about the team's struggles this season, as their hopes of retaining the Eredivisie title appear increasingly dim. With only five matches remaining and a daunting nine-point deficit behind league leaders Ajax, the pressure is mounting on the squad. De Jong, speaking to Eindhovens Dagblad, reflected on the factors contributing to PSV's decline after the winter break, particularly following a disappointing 0-2 defeat to Ajax at home.
"A real main reason I couldn't find," de Jong admitted, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the team's performance. He noted that the squad's confidence had taken a hit due to a series of setbacks. "You felt in some matches that our confidence was affected by the setbacks we had already experienced. Maybe that played a part," he said.
De Jong, who has been with PSV for several seasons, dismissed rumors suggesting divisions within the team. He remarked, "That there were groups within our selection? Well, that's always the case. It was the same last year, and nobody talked about it then." His comments highlight a common narrative in sports where external perceptions can often overshadow the internal dynamics of a team.
Despite the criticism directed at the squad, De Jong expressed his belief that the situation is more complex than simply lacking team cohesion. "I’ve seen all the comments about us not being a team and just going through the motions. But for myself, I feel that what has happened to us is more inexplicable," he explained, indicating a deeper issue at play.
Reflecting on the missed opportunities, De Jong noted, "We could have stopped the points loss much earlier if it was as simple as not forming a team." His assertion points to a combination of factors that have contributed to the team's struggles this season, suggesting that complacency may have crept in. "I have indeed warned against complacency. Maybe something slips in sometimes, but we have definitely tried to keep each other sharp," he emphasized.
As PSV's title hopes fade, De Jong remains focused on finishing the season strongly. He stated, "We are now going for the highest achievable goals, and then I will really think about my future and what I want for myself." At 34 years old, the veteran striker is aware that his time at the top level is limited, and the prospect of leaving without silverware is something that weighs heavily on him.
"It has happened before that we had the best squad and still didn’t become champions. That always hurts and lingers for a long time," he reflected. The disappointment of potentially ending the season without trophies is palpable, and De Jong's thoughts resonate with fans who have high expectations for their team.
The match against Ajax was particularly poignant for PSV, not just due to the loss but also because of a long-standing tradition at the club. De Jong commented on the customary gesture of players carrying children on their arms during the last home match of the season, stating, "I read that it was about the children being taken on the arm. If we had won, that would have certainly been the secret? It has nothing to do with it and is just a tradition at PSV for the last afternoon match in the Philips Stadion."
As the season draws to a close, the stakes are high for PSV. With Ajax now firmly in control of the title race, the focus shifts to how the team can regroup and salvage pride in the remaining fixtures. De Jong's leadership will be crucial as they navigate this challenging period.
In summary, while the title may be slipping away, the resolve within the PSV camp remains. De Jong's insights provide a glimpse into the mindset of a team facing adversity, highlighting both the challenges and the determination to finish the season on a high note. As the final matches approach, fans will be watching closely to see how PSV responds to this testing time.
