‘Will always support club’
NOS Football–
Ruud van Nistelrooij has made himself heard for the first time after leaving PSV. In a tweet, he lists his achievements with the Eindhoven team and thanks the supporters. “10 years of PSV, what a wonderful ride!”
He calls becoming head coach of PSV the ultimate. “Winning prizes for this wonderful club with great supporters. Thank you for your never-ending support everywhere we played! PSV is forever in my heart and I will always support the club and the team.”
The 46-year-old Van Nistelrooij stepped down from the club on Wednesday because of complaints about his way of working. For example, some players were not satisfied and allegedly did not get along with assistants Fred Rutten and André Ooijer. That there was dissatisfaction at the club came out through the media last week.
Partly because of the press coverage, Van Nistelrooij felt he lacked support and stepped down. The PSV management said they were surprised by the trainer’s sudden departure.
According to Rutten, who took over the helm during the last game against AZ, the news hit like a bomb.
Although Van Nistelrooij is only now responding for the first time, his business manager and close friend Roger Linse did release some details about the coach’s departure yesterday. “It has been a well-considered decision. This decision is realistic rather than principled.”
Linse stressed that PSV remains Van Nistelrooij’s club. “PSV is really his club. He has put his heart and soul into it.”
Van Nistelrooij was in his first season as head coach, a season of high peaks and deep valleys.
The Johan Cruijff Schaal was won, as was the KNVB Cup. In the league, PSV placed second, putting them on course to qualify for the preliminary rounds of the Champions League. That was not the initial goal, but halfway through the season Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke were sold for a lot of money.
