Van Hanegem sees golden opportunity for Feyenoord as PSV has problem
Feyenoord holds a four-point lead at the top of the Eredivisie following a weekend of matches, opening a golden opportunity as the club prepares for crucial tests against Real Betis and PSV, according to commentary published in the media. Writing in his column for the Algemeen Dagblad, Willem van Hanegem argues that PSV has inmiddels een behoorlijk probleem following a difficult start to the season and a defeat against ADO Den Haag.
While the Rotterdammers capitalized on their rivals’ slip-ups to extend their lead at the summit, Van Hanegem warns that Feyenoord cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Pointing to a narrow 3-4 victory over Telstar in which the team allowed their opponents to come back three times, the club icon noted that the performance sent a wrong signal to competitors and highlighted underlying vulnerabilities.
Van Hanegem Criticizes Peter Bosz and PSV Squad
Peter Bosz was maar alvast vlak voor de tunnel gaan staan, dan kon hij na het laatste fluitsignaal meteen naar binnen
, Van Hanegem wrote, adding that Bosz’s claim of having no concerns is natuurlijk onzin
(Voetbalzone). Furthermore, he argued that the departures of Joey Veerman and Ismael Saibari have not been properly absorbed, noting that the upcoming match in Eindhoven against Feyenoord can either slightly remove or magnify the misery. He rejected excuses regarding absentees—such as Alassane Pléa or Paul Wanner—given the club’s large squad and financial investments made last summer, drawing a parallel to Ajax.
Van Hanegem Slams Feyenoord Culture and Defensive Flaws
Despite strong displays earlier in the season against opponents like NEC, PEC Zwolle, FC Utrecht, AZ, and Como that proved Feyenoord can contend for the landstitel, the match against Telstar exposed defensive and tactical flaws. Van Hanegem also took aim at the club’s internal emphasis on a family atmosphere, stating, Ik vind dat zelf altijd meer iets voor kleuters: ‘kijk ons eens goed bij elkaar horen’
(VoetbalPrimeur), adding that players do not need to go out to dinner together all the time since top-flight football requires constant sharpness and mutual accountability. He noted that after a fine performance against Como, Anis Hadj Moussa acted as though he never had to pass the ball, and pointed out that Gjivai Zechiël made strange moves, including a yellow card where he failed to track his man and pulled him down. Conversely, he praised the progress of right-back Givairo Read while noting that aerial duels remain a challenge for him—as seen on Telstar’s third goal where young German goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, whom Van Hanegem considers not good enough and who also did not look blameless on the first goal, failed to provide assistance.
Upcoming Tests
The coming fixtures will serve as definitive measures for the league leaders as they travel for an away match against Real Betis in Europe before facing PSV in Eindhoven.