“Van Nistelrooij had stepped on his dick, he reacted anxiously and impulsively”

The unexpected departure of Ruud van Nistelrooij from a wandering PSV is a blessing for the club, says Hugo Borst in his column for the General Journal. The 46-year-old coach exploded a bomb on the Herdgang last Wednesday by indicating to the PSV club management that he no longer felt any support. Rik Elfrink then concluded that an unworkable situation had arisen after the story had come out that six players had lodged complaints about the trainer with the management.

Borst compares Van Nistelrooij’s resignation to a captain who leaves ‘a reasonably intact ship’ while a nasty storm arises. “First of all! Ruud would no longer feel confident with his crew. You could hear that. He himself said nothing in public, his agent lifted some veil tips. Ruud often felt so alone. I believe that. The trainer’s profession is a heavy and lonely profession if you don’t feel unconditional collegiality.”

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Through his agent, Van Nistelrooij also announced that leaving was a well-considered decision. Borst, who has been involved in football journalism for about forty years, says that the truth is not often spoken. “Ruud had just stepped on his dick, the leak had exploded a lack of confidence,” said the columnist. “He reacted anxiously and impulsively and threw in the towel. I suspect he felt very relieved.”

Borst draws the comparison with the trainer Marco van Basten. “That was also an ex-striker. He often doubted his qualities as a coach that the responsibility became too much for him in the event of a setback.” Borst saw PSV play reaction football without an identity this season. “My belief is that Van Nistelrooij’s departure is a blessing for a wandering PSV. You can only get rid of an inexperienced, mediocre coach in the run-up to a new season. Because Ruud can’t do it either, that excellent football coach. None shame, that is usually with really great footballers. They can hardly put themselves in the shoes of lesser gods. “