PSV Eindhoven manager Phillip Cocu spoke in his press conference after his side’s 1-0 win at home to AZ Alkmaar about the need for the KNVB to help the Dutch clubs prepare as best as possible for upcoming European games.
- By James Rowe
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AZ face a trip to Serbia on Thursday in the Europa League qualifiers, and coach John van den Brom was furious that they played their tie with PSV at 3.45pm on Sunday. Phillip Cocu agrees and told the press that the KNVB should ensure teams prepare for Europe by gaining as much rest as possible.
Cocu said, ”I would like to take this opportunity to wish AZ Alkmaar all the best in their upcoming European match and I also agree with my compatriot John van den Brom as to why this game could not be played yesterday instead of today”.
”My point has nothing to do with the interests of PSV Eindhoven but in the best interests of Dutch teams in Europe. We need all the coefficient points we can get and in the case of AZ Alkmaar they have an away game coming up in Europe in which they must travel to Serbia. The KNVB must help and ensure that whatever Dutch club it is that they get the maximal amount of rest possible beforehand.”
AZ Alkmaar travel to Serbia to face Vojvodina in the Europa League play-off round on Thursday and Ajax entertain FC Rostov in the Champions League play-off round in the Amsterdam ArenA on Tuesday.
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Yes. About time the top coaches speak out. There are mnay ways that this can change and improve. I would reduce the size of the Eredivisie to 16 teams to start. That would create a 30 game schedule and mean every team gets 4 extra weeks off during the season. Another idea would be to give the top 4 finishing teams from the year before a bye until the QF’s in the Cup. The top 4 teams are all playing European games and having to play 6 games to win the cup is too many. It would also mean those teams wouldn’t play a Cup game until after the first of the year. I know just some crazy thoughts from across the pond…..
30 games is not enough. But the fact AZ plays a late Sunday game and maybe should have played Saturday is ludicrous. Oostveen should be gone and long ago. The National team is a woeful 26th and Advocaat has left to coach in a league in an unstable country. Frankly I am speechless but it shows what little faith he has in the Dutch National team.