The National's Sport cover for the Tuesday, September 15 issue, featuring PSV Eindhoven coach Philip Cocu on the team's return to the Champions League with Manchester United in their sights.
Andy Mitten offers a full-length look at PSV, who unseated Ajax as Dutch champions last season:
“Dutch champions PSV have enjoyed considerable success in recent years after shifting their philosophy to focus on youth. Art Langeler, 45, has been one of the key components. The academy director oversees PSV’s teams below the first team and works closely with the first-team coach Phillip Cocu with the intention of supplying ready-to-play, home-grown footballers.
“Langeler, a former footballer and coach, invited a visitor to his office overlooking the second-team pitch to explain why.”
Said Langeler:
“PSV changed their vision in 2013 here because they were not able to buy players aged 25 or plus anymore who are successful in the Dutch league. If you’re really good here and you’re 25-plus, then you are going to play in Germany, England or Spain. You’re not going to play in Holland because you can’t make the same money here.”
Andy goes on to describe the full youth-centric programme that has PSV back playing for the European Cup – where they’ll meet their former star Memphis Depay with United.
“Depay stayed an extra year in Eindhoven because he wanted to win the title. He did that, then joined United.
“On Tuesday night, his return to Eindhoven gives him the chance to show those former fans what they are missing.”
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