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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Blair Meikle

The advice PSV coach has offered Joel van den Berg ahead of Celtic transfer

Joel van den Berg (Image: Getty Images)

Joel van den Berg has been told by his PSV coach he needs "stability and structure" ahead of his move to Celtic.

Parkhead chiefs have been deep in talks designed to bring the 18-year-old attacking midfielder to the club, and he was pulled from the Jong PSV line-up for their match last night.

That suggests a deal is close to sign the player who has a handful of appearances for the Dutch giants' first team.

Jong PSV coach Stijn Schaars was asked about the situation after the game after being robbed of the services of van den Berg and teammate Jordy Bawuah last night.

He told ED: "We are in charge with the aim of taking players to a higher level.

"In doing so, we also hold regular internal discussions about our plans. Do we want to keep the lads here, promote them to the PSV first team, loan them out, or sell them?


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"Since last year, our talents have been increasingly in demand, so we have to make choices. We knew that from the start of the season.

"It's not ideal [to lose players], but it didn't come completely out of the blue.

"Everyone knows this is the week before the transfer deadline and that things can still change. There was so much going on regarding these two that it was better to keep them out of the squad. Our other players handled the situation well."

Asked what advice he would give the duo, he added: "[Young] Players need stability and structure even more than experienced pros do.

"When situations like this arise, they aren't yet fully able to anticipate them. Still, I’m incredibly proud of the them.

"They are two players who set the standard for the group in terms of values, toughness, physical strength in duels, and sprinting ability. Now others have to step up. That will take some time."

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