JPL
Bosz urges PSV to chase Vanaken ahead of Champions League duel
PSV head coach Peter Bosz said on Tuesday he would love to add 34‑year‑old Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken to his squad, and the Belgian international replied on Google that while a return to Eindhoven is not ruled out, a transfer is not currently on the agenda.
Bosz lauds Vanaken ahead of Champions League duel
Bosz spoke at a Tuesday press conference ahead of the Champions League-duel with Club Brugge, expressing admiration for Vanaken.
"A good player. It surprises me that he still plays for Brugge. It is atypical that such a big player is the connector; usually those are the smaller players. I would have liked to have him, haha," the PSV coach said.
Vanaken to face PSV in Champions League
Vanaken later received Bosz’s remarks and responded publicly.
"It is nice to hear that Bosz said he would like me there. Whether I ever return, I don’t know. That is also not the case. I am good at Club Brugge and will respect my contract," the Belgian international replied.
Club Brugge chooses battle in Eindhoven, no more selfies
Vanaken, who joined PSV’s youth academy at the age of ten, spent several years there before returning to Belgium.
The upcoming meeting with his former club is therefore especially meaningful for him.
He will face PSV on Wednesday evening for the first time in this Champions League campaign.
"It is very nice to come back here. I learned a lot, especially on a technical level. I have not been much in the stadium, mainly at the training complex De Herdgang," he recalled.
PSV and Club Brugge meet at the Philips Stadion on Wednesday at 21.00 for the fourth matchday of the Champions League.
Vanaken hopes to see some old acquaintances in Eindhoven, noting the city is about twenty‑five minutes from Lommel where his friends and family live.