Max Verstappen has admitted it was “painful” to see his beloved PSV get knocked out of the Champions League by Rangers.
The Formula 1 world champion watched on as compatriot Gio van Bronckhors masterminded a 1-0 second leg win in the Philips Stadion to send the Ibrox club through to the lucrative group stage at the expense of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men. Antonio Colak ’s second half strike was enough after the sides played out a 2-2 draw in Govan last week. Many made PSV favourites to progress, but Rangers produced a fantastic display to ensure they joined city rivals Celtic in tonight’s group stage draw in Istanbul.
Verstappen was actually born in Belgium, the country of his mother’s birth, while his father is Dutch, and he competes under the Dutch flag when behind the wheel. He’s previously spoken of his love of PSV, notably when reacting to Lewis Hamilton potentially buying Chelsea ahead of their summer takeover. The Red Bull driver insisted his allegiance to the Eindhoven club meant he would never buy Ajax, so couldn't understand why his Arsenal-supporting rival would bid for the Blues.
But both of their sides will take part in the Europa League this season after the Gers got the job done last night. And while Verstappen was disappointed, he was pleased for Van Bronckhorst and wished him well in the competition, while also sharing his hopes for fellow Dutch boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United after their 201 victory over Liverpool on Monday night.
Verstappen told Sky Sports News: “It was obviously a pretty painful night after PSV were eliminated, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst is in charge of Rangers. It was painful, but I hope they do well.
“Then you have Erik at Manchester United so it’s nice to see other Dutchmen being high up in things across the world. It’s not always easy but he’s a Dutchman, so he can handle the pressure. Hopefully with that win over Liverpool - I’m also a bit of a Liverpool fan because Virgil [Van Dijk] is there - I hope they can go back to where they belong, which is of course, at the top."
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