"anxious to restore pride"

Prior to the match Hubb Stevens noted he was "anxious to restore pride" and given his "second-chance" opportunity for Danko Lazović and the quality on the pitch, he got his message across loud and clear. While I am personally assured that his pleasant demeanor in-front of the media is the polar opposite of his commentary behind closed doors, it certainly worked as PSV steamrollered over Heracles Almelo 4-0 with goals from Francisco Rodríguez, Ibrahim Afellay, Danko Lazović and Hungarian international Balázs Dzsudzsák.

PSV came out with insatiable desire to prove its worth and fifteen minutes into the match ex-Chivas man Francisco Rodríguez finished a long run with a powerful drive into the net. Just before the half-hour mark Danny Koevermans served up Ibrahim Afellay from ten meters out to which he immediately drove the ball in to double the lead. Before the attack could be called off, troubled Serbian international Danko Lazović drove in the cross of Balázs Dzsudzsák to make it 3-0. Only another six minutes later Danko Lazović turned provider as his cross was feigned by Danny Koevermans with Balázs Dzsudzsák thundering a powerful volley in. With a four goal advantage the three points were safe and PSV coasted for a balance of the match.

PSV returns to action this Wednesday as they travel to face Atlético Madrid in Champions League action

Heracles Almelo at Philips Stadion

After four successive losses, in which PSV has been out-scored nine to one, I think its safe to say all is not right in Eindhoven. Internal issues relating to a language barrier that inexplicably saw Carlos Salcido on the bench, a complete failure of professional decorum by Danko Lazović, a blow-up by Edison Méndez and the ongoing issue of less-than suitable work ethic and tenacity signal the club is serious jeopardy of a complete free-fall. The task now is a great one as it is becoming clear Hubb Stevens must regain control of the players, eradicate the cancer withing and mold them into a team through a tougher disciplinarian hand but do so expeditiously.

Prior to the match Hubb Stevens said:

"We know the players will be looking to get back to winning ways. They are keen to restore some pride tomorrow night. We will play a team that will not make the trip to Eindhoven to entertain the crowd to a spectacular game of football. They are very compact in defence and play well as a team. We will hopefully be able to show the fans our tactical and technical skills. I demand full commitment"

PSV will be without Jan Kromkamp, Dirk Marcellis and Nordin Amrabat with Carlos Salcido only getting back from international duty late Friday.

Hubb Stevens went on to say:

"We will show the appropriate respect for our opponents, but Heracles will fight to the end. We will be forced to breech the Heracles wall and have to be careful not to concede a goal. We will hopefully put in a commanding and solid team display. We need the PSV fans to get behind us."

I will report on the match as it concludes.