Former PSV Eindhoven manager Roger Schmidt has praised his old club, describing them as the strongest team in the Eredivisie while highlighting their ability to rebuild with young talent despite regularly selling key players.

Schmidt, who managed PSV between 2020 and 2022, was present at the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday to watch his former side face RB Leipzig in the Champions League. PSV ultimately suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat, but the German remains impressed by the club’s progress and continues to follow their results closely.

Now serving as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, Schmidt spoke to reporter Noa Vahle for Ziggo Sport before the match, reflecting on his time in Eindhoven and the changes he has witnessed in Dutch football.

Schmidt Maintains Close Ties With PSV

Schmidt spent two seasons in charge of PSV, finishing second in the Eredivisie on both occasions during a period when Ajax were particularly dominant in the Netherlands.

Although he failed to deliver the league title, he guided PSV to KNVB Cup success in 2022, ending the club’s ten-year wait for the trophy. They defeated Ajax 2-1 in a dramatic final to secure the silverware.

Despite moving on to Benfica after leaving Eindhoven, Schmidt said he still follows PSV and retains a strong connection with the club.

“It's always fun to face one of your former clubs. I always look at the results. I had a great time and I still have good contact with the club,” Schmidt told Ziggo Sport.

“I think it's going really well. I know how difficult it is to become champions in the Netherlands.”

His comments reflect the challenge he faced during his own tenure, when PSV regularly competed for domestic honours but could not dislodge Ajax from the top of the league.

‘PSV is currently the strongest club in the Eredivisie’

Schmidt believes the balance of power in Dutch football has shifted since his time in Eindhoven, with PSV now occupying the position of strength that Ajax once held.

The German pointed to Ajax’s changing circumstances and PSV’s consistent ability to refresh their squad with promising young players as important factors behind the shift.

“Ajax is no longer exactly the same as it was when I was a coach at PSV,” he said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

“PSV is currently the strongest club in the Eredivisie. They have sold many players, but they always bring back young, good talents. I think they are doing very well at the moment.”

Schmidt’s assessment highlights PSV’s recruitment and squad-building strategy. Despite losing important players, the club have continued to bring in young talent and maintain their competitiveness in domestic football.

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PSV’s progress continues despite Leipzig setback

Schmidt’s praise came on a night when PSV were unable to translate their domestic strength into a Champions League result. Peter Bosz’s side lost 1-0 to Leipzig after Brajan Gruda’s second-half strike settled a closely contested match.

PSV had opportunities to take the lead, including Ivan Perišić’s missed penalty, but ultimately left Germany without a point.

The defeat was a setback for Bosz’s side in Europe, yet Schmidt’s wider assessment of the club remained positive. Having experienced the difficulty of challenging for the Eredivisie title himself, he recognises the significance of PSV’s current position.

His comments also underline the club’s ability to remain competitive through regular squad renewal, even when key players depart.

For PSV, the immediate challenge is to turn their domestic strength into more consistent results in Europe. Schmidt, however, believes the club are moving in the right direction.