Ajax Feyenoord duo thrive while PSV stalls after break

On a bright morning at the Eindhoven training complex, Ajax Feyenoord and their rivals gathered after a three‑week international hiatus, while PSV struggled to field a full squad. The clubs resumed activity after a unique free week that left non‑internationals on a full break.

Training squads after the break

The coaches granted their non‑international players a complete week off – the first time this has happened outside the traditional winter and summer stops. When training resumed, Míchel Sánchez (Ajax) and Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord) each welcomed a full eleven, whereas AZ’s only representative was Leeroy Echteld. Peters Bosz (PSV) arrived with just one fit player per line, making a meaningful session impossible.

PSV’s limited options

At PSV, only Ryan Flamingo and Sven Mijnans remained on the pitch, both having avoided international duty and staying top‑fit. Danish talent Mikkel Bro Hansen deliberately stayed behind in Eindhoven to work on his fitness, while keepers Nick Olij and Tijn Smolenaars were also present. Newcomers Sam Lammers and Sami Ouaissa returned from injury, but the A‑group was far too small to develop specific October patterns.

Bosz, after a loss to FC Twente, admitted that dealing with twenty internationals and several injuries made targeted training “hard”. He announced, “We gaan een groep maken met jongens van de Onder 19, 18 en 17 ook.” The plan aims to supplement the senior squad with youth players for the upcoming fixtures against Heerenveen, RB Leipzig, FC Porto and Feyenoord.

UEFA warns Giovanni van Bronckhorst after a too‑late kickoff

Ajax and Feyenoord’s depth advantage

Ajax benefits from a wave of new signings brought in by Jordi Cruijff, many of whom are not called up for internationals. The group includes Thilo Kehrer, Julian Brandt, Caio Henrique, Sofyan Amrabat and Yves Bissouma, the latter arriving for €20 million yet still without a minute against Fortuna or Willem II. Míchel Sánchez said after a training match with Excelsior, “Ik kijk uit naar de lange interlandperiode. Met name om met spelers te werken aan hun fitheid en als ploeg vooruit te kijken.”

Feyenoord’s coach listed six regular starters – Tjark Ernst, Jeremiah St. Juste, Mika Marmol, Charles Vanhoutte, Luciano Valente and Nacho Ferri – and a sizeable reserve pool that will be sharpened for the upcoming clash with AZ. The club’s depth allows it to rotate players without compromising preparation.

AZ, represented solely by Leeroy Echteld, faces a stark contrast to its rivals. The limited attendance highlights the club’s smaller pool of players not involved in international duty.

Photographic credit goes to Pro Shots, with Rene Nijhuis and Mischa Keemink providing the images, and Peter van Gogh capturing the on‑field moments. The visual record underscores the divergent training situations across the Dutch top clubs.