Following PSV U19’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Brazilian side Palmeiras in the Otten Innovation Cup final, we spoke with head coach Jasper Waalkens. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the trophy, the PSV coach looked back on the tournament with a strong sense of pride as his side reached the final and showcased its attacking style of play in front of the home crowd.
Pride Overcomes Disappointment
Although Palmeiras ultimately lifted the trophy, Waalkens was pleased with what his team had shown throughout the tournament.
"Above all, I’m proud. I think we had a very good tournament as PSV. We were able to show our supporters the style of football we want to play: attacking football."
Reaching the final had been one of the team's key objectives from the outset. For the PSV coach, seeing his side compete on the final day of their home tournament was especially important.
"Our goal was to reach the final. At our own tournament, it’s great for the supporters to watch PSV play on Sunday. We achieved that goal, but of course you always want to win. That’s where the disappointment comes from."
A Different Story from the Group Stage
PSV faced Palmeiras twice during the tournament, losing both encounters. However, Waalkens believes the two matches should be viewed in a different context.
During the final group-stage match, PSV deliberately fielded a much younger team, giving valuable minutes to players who had featured less during the tournament.
"In that match we had a lot of players born in 2009, while Palmeiras had players born in 2006 and 2007. When there’s a three- or four-year age difference, it becomes very difficult."
The final, however, presented a completely different picture.
"The balance was much more even. We also had a different starting line-up, and I think that showed in the game."
According to Waalkens, PSV controlled large parts of the first half.
"We were dominant, but we forgot to score. In the end, that was the difference."
Performances against Chelsea and Adelaide Stand Out
When asked which moments would stay with him the most, Waalkens immediately highlighted two matches.
For the quality of football, he pointed to the second half against Adelaide.
"That was the moment when I really felt we were playing fantastic football. The kind of football that gets people on the edge of their seats."
The most significant result, however, came in the semi-final against Chelsea.
"Many people saw Chelsea as the favourite before the tournament and during the group stage. They had a lot of quality and a lot of physical strength. To beat them 3-1 and reach the final was a fantastic moment."
Staying True to the PSV Philosophy
Throughout the Otten Innovation Cup, PSV encountered a wide variety of styles from around the world. Nevertheless, Waalkens remains committed to the club’s football philosophy.
"We develop players for PSV’s first team. That comes with a specific way of playing, and those are the principles we want to teach our players. We fully believe in our own style."
That does not mean there is nothing to learn from international opponents.
"You always look at details. The way Palmeiras defends a lead at all costs, or the way Chelsea constantly looks for depth behind the defensive line. Those are interesting things to observe, but we’re not going to copy other teams."
A Strong Group Dynamic
Beyond the performances on the pitch, Waalkens was particularly satisfied with the atmosphere within the squad.
"Before the tournament, we said we wanted to do this together. We had players joining at different moments, but the group handled that really well. I’m very happy with the behaviour and atmosphere within the team."
According to the coach, that team spirit provides a strong foundation for the upcoming season.
"It’s a foundation we’ve built during this pre-season and one we can continue to build on throughout the year."
Fighting Until the Final Whistle
After the final, Waalkens gathered his players together for one final message.
"I told them I was proud of them."
His pride came not only from reaching the final, but also from the way his players reacted when they found themselves 2-0 down.
"They didn’t let the final fade away. They kept fighting, kept believing and kept pushing. The crowd got behind them as well. That was one of the most positive aspects for me."
PSV pulled a goal back late in the match and even threatened an equaliser in the closing stages.
"They kept battling and never gave up. That says a lot about this group."
Valuable Lessons for the New Season
Despite the successful tournament run, Waalkens already knows where his team can improve.
"The final phase of attacks. The final thirty metres, the crosses, the finishing, the decision-making and the positioning in front of goal. Those are areas where we can still improve."
According to the coach, the tournament once again confirmed where the strength of his team lies. “That is our football on the ball. That’s why we must not hesitate and we also need to press with high intensity. When we play with full conviction, that’s when we are at our best. This tournament has only reinforced that feeling.”
Giving Everything for the Trophy
Asked to summarise the tournament in a few words, Waalkens returned to the feeling that had defined his reflections throughout the interview.
"It was a dynamic and demanding tournament, with a lot of matches and strong opposition. But as a team we did everything we could to become champions. The players can be proud of that."
The trophy may have gone to Palmeiras, but PSV U19 demonstrated throughout the Otten Innovation Cup that it can compete with some of the best youth teams in the world. For Waalkens and his squad, that performance provides plenty of confidence heading into the new season.