Bosz Unsure What to Expect From Ajax Ahead of PSV Top Clash

PSV coach Peter Bosz says it is hard to predict what to expect from Ajax ahead of Saturday's top-of-the-table clash in Amsterdam, kickoff at 8 p.m. "A lot of new players have come in." We know many of the guys, but also many we don't, the 62-year-old said. Bosz is looking forward to shaking hands with Julian Brandt again. The German midfielder of Ajax briefly worked with Bosz at Bayer Leverkusen in the past.

"A nice person and a good footballer, Bosz said. PSV can call on the same group of players in Amsterdam that beat FC Utrecht 6-1 on Sunday. That means Bosz still cannot rely on the not-yet-fit Dennis Man and Kiliann Sildillia.

New signings Sami Ouaissa, Sam Lammers and Mikkel Bro Hansen are also not match-ready yet, according to Bosz. Another newcomer, Ayoni Santos, may be on the bench. Bosz still needs to get a good picture of the player who came over from Sparta.

"I really need to see where he fits best within our system. In the past he has played in different positions: right wing, left wing, at 10 but also at 6. Satisfied with the transfer summer. After the busy transfer window in Eindhoven ended, where no fewer than eight new players arrived, Bosz can fully focus on building his team.

"I can only be very satisfied with the end result, said the coach, who has seen his squad grow considerably this summer. "We now have a few more choices, he acknowledged. More players also means more players fighting for starting spots.

Bosz hopes PSV plays many matches this season so more players get playing time. "Not every player will be able to sustain the cycle of a match every three days, Bosz thinks. "So many players will get their turn; it remains important to give your players perspective on playing time.

Confidence in Pepi. Ricardo Pepi certainly has that perspective. The American is PSV's regular striker and has scored twice already, but has yet to really get going this season.

According to Bosz, that is more due to poor service than to Pepi himself. "We have shown footage that Pepi always comes in front of his man at the moment of the cross. If the ball doesn't come then, that moment is gone.

But Pepi is there. You can almost blindly pass the ball forward, because he makes sure he is there. "I also see him working on that in training.

He is there when he needs to be; now he still has to receive that ball. But that will happen soon too.