Top match PSV – Feyenoord sinks…

As if Gertjan Verbeek didn’t have enough problems… Minutes before the once top clash between PSV and Feyenoord player number eleven had to pull back from starting. Henk Timmer injured his foot and will join Hofland, De Cler, Tomasson, De Guzman, Landzaat and others in the sick bay. Quite a starting team Verbeek has in the hospital…

But, he didn’t have to call on a young A junior for goalie chores. 39 year old Rob van Dijk took the spot and was responsible for Feyenoord keeping a clean sheet. Until deep in the second half, that is, when Ibi Afellay managed to beat him (1-0 final score).

So, another loss for Feyenoord and a much needed win for Stevens and PSV, who still have AZ in their sights.

Verbeek wasn’t even too sad: “Losing is always tough, but to be honest…if you look at where we are with all the injured players, I can’t say losing away to PSV is a disgrace. We did our best, we had hopes on a draw but now I’m most upset by the three yellow cards we copped. I will have to miss three more players… Does this ever stop…”

El Ahmadi, Bahia and Bruins will miss the next game against NAC Breda. Dwight Tiendalli also seemed to be wanting to get booked. Verbeek ran off the bench onto the pitch to stop his right back from getting a suspension as well. “I figured it was better for the ref to book me rather than Dwight…”

Huub Stevens was proud. “We played an attacking style with a lot of young eager players and we were rewarded for it. I can’t say we excelled but we fought hard and took home the points. This is something to build upon…”

Ajax won 0-6 against De Graafschap. Gabri and Enoh played holding midfielders, allowing Van Basten to attack with four strikers (Emanuelson, Suarez, Sulejmani and Cvitanich). All strikers scored and Sulejmani in particular started to show his flair and skill we know from his Heerenveen days.

Van Basten: “Physically, he’s in good shape, but he’s still only 80% match fit. He needs to build that up slowly, but his tremendous skills is apparent.”