De Friezen draw to Twente

De Friezen came within minutes of an important win over Twente but with a last minute strike the match ended with a 1-1 score. The draw had massive implications on Trond Sollied's side as they fell out of the Europa League spot to fifth but equally have a another twist should the result cause Twente to fall out of a Champions League berth.

As a preview to next months KNVB final the match had the all the tone of a title bout with scoring opportunities limited with resolute defending. After a scoreless half Heerenveen looked like it found the winner goal as former Dinamo Zagreb-man Danijel Pranjić's corner was sent in by Paulo Henrique. However thoughts of three-points disappeared as with time winding down, Twente's Theo Janssen sent in a free-kick from twenty-five metres. What makes the result most intriguing is that the losing finalist for the domestic cup competition (the KNVB Beker in this situation) will qualify for the Europa League if the winners qualify for the Champions League but with Twente not gaining full points they have opened up a chance for Ajax.

Heading into the final two weeks Heerenveen will need help if they are to overtake PSV but first they must defeat ADO Den Haag on Sunday

Nigel de Jong DEAL DONE!

The deal to bring Nigel de Jong to Manchester City from Hamburger SV has been finalized with a rumoured fee of €19.5m.

The 24-year-old Netherlands international signed a four year agreement with the club and is leaving for Tenerife training camp shortly. He said via the club web-site:

“I feel very good and for me it is the next step in my own career after three years in Germany and I hope to be successful here at Manchester City.

“The ideas and the planning behind this Club are very hopeful and it’s a new adventure so I’m delighted to be here right now.”

“The Stadium looks great and I think it can only be better when it’s full of people.

“I’m looking forward to playing here and everybody knows that the Premier League is maybe the biggest competition in the world.”

Nigel de Jong deal looks to be done

As per German media source Kicker Sportmagazin the deal to bring Nigel de Jong from Hamburger SV to Manchester City has nearing completion with a final price-tag of €20m. The only outstanding item is approval of the twenty-four year-old Netherlands international.

Both clubs have yet to issue any statements on whether the offer has been accepted.

a tough act to follow

After last weekends shocking 6-0 outpouring over Heerenveen, Steve McClaren and company have a tough act to follow in Den Haag against ADO. André Wetzel’s side are having a tough ride since being promoted in the Eredivisie this year and in the midst of a six-match losing streak, including last weeks 3-1 loss to Feyenoord. Despite the problems Wetzel is confident that if they can weather the storm and stay positive, “it will come out right in the end.” They have Ahmed Ammi back from serving suspension but will miss Wesley Verhoek,Gino Coutinho and Robin Faber.

For Twente, they are in the odd position of trying to put aside last weekends match and not let it get them over-confident. They have an important mid-week UEFA Cup match against Schalke 04 coming up on Wednesday and will need to have veterans Blaise Kufo and Kenneth Perez fully recovered so it is likely to influence the lineup. Steve McClaren gave no indication of changes in his pre-match press-conference and merely noted the competitive nature of matches between ADO and Twente. Although historically this has been a very tough match with a opportunity to advance in the UEFA Cup riding on a victory over Schalke, I expect a few key lineup changes with veteran Romano Denneboom playing a greater role.

FC Twente destroys Heerenveen 6-0

Humourous little comments cannot shield the fact that Twente destroyed Heerenveen 6-0 in an obvious horrible defensive display. It defies explanation that Twente, which had barely averaged a goal a match were able to cut through the Heerenveen defenders so easily however such is the case. Without significant changes in the Heerenveen lineup Steve McClaren's lineup came out with a (obviously) well-crafted plan and pelted 'keeper Kenny Steppe with attempts early. While able to keep them off the score-sheet early that would end quickly as Twente skipper Blaise Kufo scored the first of three goals at the twenty-third minute off a nice set-up from veteran Kenneth Perez. Twelve minutes later the veteran combination filleted the Heerenveen defenders with Kenneth Perez the beneficiary of a perfect through ball, which he converted on a nice strike. Heerenveen's day was about to take a nightmare turn as Kufo and Perez each scored again before the brea to bring the score 4-0. The ordeal continued two minutes after the break as Perez unselfishly fed Austrian international Marko Arnautovic at the doorstep. The white-flag was finally raised as Perez supplied Blaise Kufo a slick cross which he headed-in in a match best called a practice ground training session. To add to the day to remember Mika Väyrynen was red-carded as time wound down and will now miss next weeks match against PSV.

Heerenveen will attack at will

Heerenveen's visit of Twente is not only a great look at contrasting styles on the pitch but equally a further question of how Steve McClaren will respond. At this stage of the year the clubs are only a point apart but despite Twente's defensive stance has been anything but consistent. After starting off great and having us all talk of the "McClaren-effect", they were stomp, stomp, stomped over by Ajax 2-0, debased 3-0 the following week 3-0 and before drawing level to Feyenoord. If you could put a pin on their on-pitch personalty so-far, they seem to play to their opposition and when encountering an attacking side seem to forget their strong-suit. Whether that simple theory stays true today is a story to be told but Trond Sollied must be chomping at the bit to get started.

It is quite obvious the club has adapted well to Trond Sollied's blood-thirsty attacking style with
Croatian international Danijel Pranjić and the trio of Paweł Wojciechowski, Roy Beerens and Paulo Henrique flourishing. Heerenveen will attack at will today against Twente with knowledge their intended counter-attack is toothless. While there was early concern of injuries, Paulo Henrique and Tarik Elyounoussi look to be ready for the match but it will come down to a last minute decision if they are to play. Twente will have the calm, cool Slobodan Rajković back as his appeal was successful.

Enjoy the match and if you're not already a fan of Heerenveen, once glimpse of their attacking style will surely make you one.

Het Legioen!

De Kuip hosts ADO today as Feyenoord's youthful attack kicks back into gear. Following a misery filled October, Gertjan Verbeek's side have changed course and looking viscous in the attack and showing a maturity few would expect for their years. November welcomed a new confidence with a 4-0 explosion of Roda, seconded by a solid 5-2 defeat of Utrecht and a reaffirming 1-1 draw against Twente in Enschede.

The mark of the club so far as been the promising play of younger members of the squad such as Luigi Bruins, Leroy Fer, Georginio Wijnaldum, Diego Biseswar and Karim El Ahmadi with veterans Giovanni Van Bronckhorst and Roy Makaay being rock-solid steadying influences. With the return of Serginho Greene, Ron Vlaar, Jonathan de Guzman and Jon Dahl Tomasson in the horizon het Legioen know this has the makings of a very special year.

ADO is simply having a difficult year. After a solid start including a 3-0 pounding of AZ, the wheels have come off in Den Haag, as they have lost five straight and been held off the score sheet in seven of the last nine matches. Along with very trying times they are dealing with injury problems that leave André Wetzel's side without Samir El Moussaoui as well as Mitchell Piqué and Pascal Bosschaart who are both doubtful along with concerns over their goalkeeper Robert Zwinkels and with Gino Coutinho injured Boy Waterman could be between the woodwork. ADO skipper, Aleksandar Ranković has not been shy in trying to shore up defending characteristics and Feyenoord should expect physical play from the visitors.

Stop by Legioen after the match and I'll tell you all about the victory : )

make it a fortress

Heerenveen's visit of the Tukkers comes at a critical point in the season for Steve McClaren's side. After a very stable start, Twente was derailed with consecutive losses against Ajax and AZ before steadying play last week Feyenoord in playing to a 1-1 draw. Notable against our Rotterdam foe was the return of Theo Janssen to the starting lineup, who immediately created the dimension that has been lacking recently.

On the opposite end of the pitch Heerenveen needs to come with a cautionary warning for those who like Football with a defensive vision. While they have displayed a nerve shattering offensive attack, they have shown an inability to defend and very susceptible to the counter. However when clicking right as Ajax found out in a 5-2 thrashing, they are heavyweight fighter who won't back down.

All that makes for an exciting match that will pit the tactical ideas of their respective managers, Steve McClaren and Trond Sollied, which are nearly polar opposites. Twente has no new injury concerns, with Andrej Rendla still out but they will have Slobodan Rajković back from suspension as his appeal was successfully overturned. With the successful return of Theo Janssen last week I expect him back in the lineup and he could equally be seen in the midfield with veteran Kenneth Perez should Steve McClaren decide to go punch for punch.

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.

Feyenoord's brand new home

With great pleasure I would like to welcome you to the new home for Feyenoord. It is a tremendous honour to present to you information on the fighting spirit of the club in its one-hundredth anniversary.

It has been a tough start for Gertjan Verbeek with the club sitting twelfth in the table, predominately because of very poor results away from home. However over the last three matches there has been a notable improvement as they disgraced Roda 4-0 on the road, followed that up with a 5-2 victory over FC Utrecht at home and left Enschede this past weekend with a 1-1 draw to Twente. The elixir of veterans Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Roy Makaay with a youth movement Leroy Fer, Georginio Wijnaldum, Diego Biseswar and Karim El Ahmadi seems to be working as the club is gelling as the issues of the first part of the season hopefully are a thing of the past as the club targets ADO this weekend.

Welcome aboard !

Ajax humbles PSV 4-1

Ajax climbs to the top of the Eredivisie table with an emphatic 4-1 victory over PSV at Amsterdam Arena. The loss sends the defending champions PSV to sixty place in the table a full seven points behind their rival. In combination with the recent loss in the KNVB Cup, this marks the fourth consecutive loss for Hubb Stevens club and further evidence that the situation around Eindhoven is far from stable.

Ajax started fast in-front of their home supporters and came close to opening the score-sheet early but it wasn't till the twenty-seventh minute that they had the lead when Luis Suárez' goal found the back of the net. Prior to that point the match was decidedly one-sided and except for a brief tease, it continued as such. Serbian international Danko Lazović entered the match for PSV seven minutes after the break and immediately responded with a flourish. Only four minutes later his cross to Otman Bakkal went askew but Ibrahim Afelley poached on it and netted a timely goal to level the match at one. However that seemed to wake Marco van Basten's force and with sixteen minutes remaining, nineteen year-old Miralem Sulejmani, a White Eagel himself, gave Ajax the lead as he jumped on a rebound to slot it home. Four minutes later, thirsting for more, Ajax made it 3-1 as Erik Pieters was the unfortunate victim of an own goal as Luis Suárez deflected off him into the goal. As time wound down Leonardo added the fourth of the afternoon to the delight of the home crowd.

Ajax Amsterdam

4 - 1

PSV

27'	Luis Suárez		1 - 0
56'			1 - 1		Ibrahim Afelley
74'	Miralem Sulejmani		2 - 1
78'	Erik Pieters (og)		3 - 1
90'	Leonardo		4 - 1

serious with NEC Nijmegen

After being destroyed by Olympique Marseille in the Champions League, Hubb Stevens is sounding fed-up with effort and showing a far more serious side. With todays match against NEC Nijmegen the normal pre-match press conference had a bite to it.

Mentioning first their preparations he said:

“They have had a full week to prepare themselves for Saturday’s clash, and may benefit from the careful preparations.”

In discussing that last two matches were behind closed doors he added.

“The sessions were behind closed doors as the players will need to focused and undisturbed. We intend to make some tactical changes that we first discussed with the players. I know the fans don’t like it, and I myself actually don’t like to train behind closed doors, but we were keen to prepare well for Saturday’s game.”

Regarding injuries:

"Otman Bakkal has a groin problem and Ibrahim Afellay picked up a knock during the Marseille game, but both players look set to be fit,” although the club will be without Nordin Amrabat and Jérémie Bréchet.

I will report on the match as it concludes.

PSV on cruise against Willem II

Only three days before their critical Champions League match against Olympique Marseille, PSV cruised to a easy 2-0 victory over Willem II. The match was precisely what PSV manager Hubb Stevens although he will be concerned with the condition of Ibrahim Afellay who was harshly challenged by Willem II midfielder Ibrahim Kargbo.


PSV took the lead when Balázs Dzsudzsák's cross at the five minute mark when Willem defender Arjan Swinkels was the victim of an own-goal. With only a one-goal lead it was up to Danny Koevermans playing in his two-hundreth league match to score. Twelve minutes after the break, the Netherlands international struck from a superb volley from twenty meters over the Willem 'keeper Maikel Aerts to give PSV the 2-0 lead.

After the match, Hubb Stevens commented:

"Of course we were lucky to take an early lead. “We kept up the pressure and should have scored a second goal in the first half. But Danny Koevermans made up for that with a peach of a goal. I am sure it deserves a ‘Goal of the Month” nomination. We have bagged the three points and I hope all the lads have got through unscathed.”

PSV travels to Marseille to face l'OM in a crucial Champions League match this Tuesday.

Willem II match preview

Sitting in sixth place three points behind top of the table AZ Alkmaar, Willem II visits Philips Stadion Saturday evening. Following the narrow victory against ADO Den Haag, Hubb Stevens will be looking for a resounding statement as PSV leads into a crucial Champions League match against Olympique Marseille.

Of the ADO Den Haag victory, Huub Stevens said:

"It was a morale-boosting win and I think we took a step in the right direction."

“Some things went well and we enjoyed a victory, which is the main thing. I was delighted with Eric Addo’s opening goal. That was the way we want to play. It’s a pity we didn’t manage to score a second goal until the dying minute. ADO had some chances to draw level.”

However along with a tough schedule that will see them play eight matches in roughly a month, they face the Willem II match with a number of injuries.

Regarding the match Huub Stevens added:

“Zonneveld is doubtful, while Bas Roorda, Jérémie Bréchet and Nordin Amrabat are ruled out of Saturday’s game."

"The visitors are well-organised in defence. I expect them to defend deeply and find their prolific striker Frank Demouge with counter attacks."

Roda JC shocks PSV

PSV manager Huub Stevens summed up the PSV - Roda match simply in his post-match press conference stating:

"I can’t possibly lavish praise on PSV. I am concerned about my team’s inconsistent play. We made only one change from the team that did so well only three days ago. Roda produced an excellent performance, but we should never have conceded defeat. We were not clever enough tonight. Roda were patient and, unlike Olympique, would gladly have settled for a draw beforehand."

PSV was defeated 3-2 by Roda JC at a disappointed Philips Stadion. That match marked the second successive year Roda has upset PSV and it was additionally Roda's first victory of the season. The loss sends PSV tumbling to fourth in the table, four points FC Groningen but with NAC Breda still to play, that margin could increase to six.

The visitors got off quickly with Boldiszar Bodor scoring twenty minutes after the opening whistle. PSV looked sloppy and uninspired with control of passing inexplicably poor. Well before the half, supporters expressed their disapproval and as they went to the break down 1-0, whistles cascaded throughout Philips.

Boldiszar Bodor was once again an inspiring force for Roda as twenty minutes from the restart his cross was headed in by Andres Oper. Balázs Dzsudzsák took it upon himself with a perfectly struck free-kick on the hour mark to draw PSV within one and with his urging, the fans began to push their hero's on. Yet only five minutes later Boldiszar Bodor was the beneficiary of dreadful if not amateurish defending as he was let in alone on PSV 'keeper Andreas Isaksson via a long ball and calmly deposited the ball to the back of the net. Serbian international Danko Lazović, along with Balázs Dzsudzsák were one of PSV's lone bright spots in a miserable evening, made a beautiful play to maneuver past Roda 'keeper Bram Castro and brought PSV to within one with eleven minutes remaining. While PSV poured forward looking for the leveled, Roda's back-line led by Canadian international Marcel de Jong held strong, taking the great victory to the backdrop of a disgrunted Philips Stadion.

PSV returns to Eredivisie action on Tuesday against ADO Den Haag.