Ahead of the Juventus-PSV Champions League match, legendary Dutch coach Guus Hiddink shared his insights on the upcoming fixture. Hiddink, who led PSV to Champions League glory, offered his perspective on both teams’ current form and key players in an interview with Tuttosport (via ilBianconero).
Regarding Juventus’ motivation, Hiddink stated, “Juventus is called to erase the bad international image following the one-year disqualification from European competitions. They must show their face. The team will be highly motivated, as will their fans. The ownership has profoundly modified the corporate structure and technical staff: from management to the coach and players. It’s a break with the past.”
On PSV’s recent European performances, Hiddink noted, “PSV, in turn, must redeem their last, negative international season. In contrast to an easy ride in the league, in the Champions League, the ‘Gloeilampen’ disappointed with poor performances against Arsenal and Sevilla.”
Hiddink offered a cautious prediction: “I’m not a fortune teller, but I hypothesize that my compatriots might at most snatch a draw, although in football anything is possible. PSV plays a bit ‘naively’ in Europe, attacking yes, but with too much innocence, ingenuity.”
Commenting on Juventus’ new setup, Hiddink expressed approval of Thiago Motta’s approach: “Motta appeals to me; after all, he’s Brazilian, one who plays attacking football like us Dutch. Not like Allegri, who used to put a London bus in front of the goal, a double-decker bus I mean. Football is a spectacle, offensive, goals. It must bring joy to the fans.”
Hiddink had high praise for Juventus’ new signing, Koopmeiners: “I am convinced that the transfer to a high-profile club like Juventus will allow him to make the final leap in quality and become a key element of the ‘Oranje’ National team. He is very strong physically, has technique and personality, sees the game. He can reach a very high level.”
The Dutch coach drew an intriguing comparison: “Who does he remind me of? The ‘Príncipe’ Fernando Redondo, the great Argentine midfielder with whom I won the 1998 Intercontinental Cup in Tokyo while leading Real Madrid. He was the fulcrum of our game.”
Hiddink also commented on PSV’s young talent Pepi and veteran striker Luuk De Jong, suggesting that De Jong’s experience might be favored for the starting lineup at the Allianz Stadium.
