Crisis overshadows top duel: PSV – Feyenoord

It’s tempestuous at both clubs, although the issues are certainly not similar. Still, both PSV and Feyenoord need a win.

If Feyenoord loses, they will sink down to the lowest spots in the tables. The lead over number 16 Vitesse is only three points. Gertjan Verbeek hasn’t won in the last five matches. The patience of the fans is running out. For now, all the criticism is aimed at players and management, not so much on Verbeek.

The former Heerenveen coach realizes the importance of the away game. “But our situation is different though. PSV still has a good position for the title, we don’t. It’s tough for us to play any role in the Eredivisie right now. We should merely aim on the “left column” of the standings for now.”

And again, Verbeek doesn’t have a luxury position with regards to players potential, although skipper Van Bronckhorst and Diego Biseswar will return from injury.

Verbeek still misses De Cler, Hofland, De Guzman, Tomasson, Landzaat, Greene, Vincken and Vlaar: “With Gio, our build up on the left should improve.”

He is a bit envious when he looks at PSV’s bench. “They have more options and the capability of sign new players in the winter break. We don’t, but still we’ll have chances to win. PSV is not unbeatable anymore.”

PSV lost five games in 15 matches, Feyenoord seven. And at home, PSV doesn’t perform that badly. Still, PSV coach Stevens’ position will become weaker when they lose more points compared to frontrunner AZ.

As opposed to Verbeek, Stevens got into some rifts with his players. He came into conflict with Edison Mendez and Salcido, while Danko Lazovic insulted his coach and his mother.

Salcido is not available against Feyenoord due to a groin problem. Whether Mendez can play is a question mark. Stevens: “That’s an uncertainty, but we do know what we need to do…”