USMNT’s Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, and Sergino Dest reveal who spends the most time in the gym, who’s the cook, and more. (3:02)
EINDHOVEN, Netherlands – It’s Monday, March 4, a day after PSV’s 2-2 draw with Feyenoord, and De Herdgang is silent.
The PSV educational complex, located on the outskirts of Eindhoven, is located in the middle of the forest of the Wielewaal Landgoed. The first team participates in the post-match briefing; the result allowed them to reach a 10-point lead at the top of the Eredivisie. The crisp air is interrupted by the sound of boots pounding on the training surface of one of the fields, while sporadic laughter emanates from the far reaches of the field. Construction with views of the first team’s field.
– Broadcast LIVE on ESPN: PSV Fútbol Americas Special with Dest, Tillman and Pepi
It’s also where U. S. men’s internationals Sergiño Dest, Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi call home this season. They landed in Holland from Barcelona, Munich and Augsburg respectively, with their own objectives in this historic crusade for the unbeaten leaders of the Eredivisie, who must win. their first league name since 2017-18.
On the pitch in front of the main building, some players, the unused or lightly used substitutes in the match against Feyenoord, are receiving a rigorous education session. Pepi is among them and accompanies the others. the first team, who had faced second-placed Feyenoord last afternoon against a sold-out Philips Stadion. Tillman and Dest are among them, wearing down their drills and imagining a missed chance for PSV to take a 13-point lead with 10 games remaining.
Coach Peter Bosz watches, while director of football Earnest Stewart glances from time to time at the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the pitch. He is sober and calm; The kind of feeling you get before a party, waiting for visitors to arrive. In this case, the guest is the 25th championship title.
Barring the most monumental bottlework since Gerard Adriaan Heineken switched off in 1864, PSV will win the Eredivisie this year. Pepi, Dest and Tillman could all be USMNT internationals, but they came to PSV in search of other things, their own adventure. to this quiet corner of the Netherlands.
PSV have had a year. Although they were knocked out of the Dutch Cup in the semi-finals via Feyenoord, they dominated the league. They went on a 17-game winning streak until a 1-1 draw against Utrecht on January 21 ended the relentless winning streak. It’s like riding a wave,” Tillman told ESPN when asked how it felt to be undefeated. It’s so sweet. “
PSV were also a tough opponent in the Champions League, qualifying from Group B to Arsenal but slipping back to the round of 16 after Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. Dest told ESPN. We have a smart coach, we’re specific and accurate in each and every game, over and over again. “
That “good coach” is Bosz, the experienced Dutch coach who replaced Ruud van Nistelrooy in June and Stewart’s first appointment as PSV’s director of football.
Stewart began his role at PSV in March. His professional career spanned 17 years, 15 of which were in Dutch football, and he won 101 international caps for the USMNT. His post-player career saw him start playing in VVV-Venlo earlier. assuming the positions of Technical Director at NAC Breda, AZ Alkmaar and Philadelphia Union, before joining the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) as General Manager in 2018 and Sporting Director in 2019. But after five years away, it was time to return home. . His departure was announced in January 2023; Shortly afterwards he took charge of PSV.
Within months of taking up his new role, Stewart had to deal with the departure of then-coach Van Nistelrooy, who resigned on the eve of his final game last season when he led the club to the Dutch Cup, posing a lack of control. and amid reports of a gambler revolt. ” I started in March and that provides them with a really smart lead for the new season, with the exception of the unfortunate episode where Ruud quit,” Stewart said. “It was a little hectic, I can say that. But at the same time, the next day, you have to start over and make sure you correct. “
Earnie Stewart, PSV’s director of football, explains how he helped shape the team to suit his playing tastes.
Once things calmed down, Stewart turned to former Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax and Lyon coach Bosz, and they began to combine what he hoped would be a team capable of challenging the Eredivisie and also making a career in the Champions League. After approving the move of winger Cody Gakpo to Liverpool in January 2023, the transfer of playmaker Noni Madueke to Chelsea in January 2024 and the departure of midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré to Nottingham Forest for €35m this summer, Stewart has made a handful of shrewd signings. , prioritizing creativity and differentiators in the final third.
The first detail is striker Pepi, who arrived for 11 million euros from Augsburg. Dutch striker Noa Lang arrived a day later for €12. 5 million from Club Brugge. PSV have also signed Jerdy Schouten (from Bologna for €12 million) and Hirving Lozano for €15 million from Napoli, as well as loans from Bayern Munich’s Tillman, Barcelona’s Dest and Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap.
“I don’t forget the conversations I had with [USMNT head coach] Gregg Berhalter,” Stewart said. “If you ever need to be a world champion, you have to be able to play through the lines. You have to be able to be dominant, and that also fits with the idea procedure we’ve had here. You have to be smart on the field and take your game to the opponent if you ever need to succeed in those grades.
Dest, Pepi and Tillman arrived at PSV with the winning trio: with little time to play, following their progression and winning games. Each came to PSV after other seasons with problems to solve not only for themselves, but also for the previous clubs and those who are grouped by the USMNT for the Copa America and this summer’s Olympic tournament.
Of the two loan signings, Tillman arrived first. It is his second loan in as many seasons, after a crusade with Rangers in the Scottish Premier League where he experienced the fire and brimstone of the Old Firm derby, one of the most intense matches. of his young career.
Tillman, 21, grew up in Germany with his older brother Timothy, who works at LAFC. Both were trained at Greuther Fürth in the lower division, but ended up joining the Bayern Munich academy. Tillman’s face lights up when he talks about education. Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Müller and Leon Goretzka. ” I learned a lot there, betting on the right foot, betting on passing plays, property plays, betting against a low block and then, what it feels like to play against an urgent defense. And then yes, when I got to the first team, I had a winning mentality: wow!”
Mindset is a word Tillman is referring to. He recalls a verbal exchange he had with former coach Julian Nagelsmann, who saw Tillman as an incredibly promising No. 10 but begged him to report back to Kimmich’s technique in a match. “He’s a wonderful player, yet his mentality is just different,” Tillman said. “It’s at the highest point and everyone can be informed through it. “
Malik Tillman praises PSV’s list of American players and the one that accompanies it.
On Tillman. La the eve of our conversation, Tillman scored a brilliant goal against Feyenoord, picking up the ball from striker Luuk de Jong, smashing it through David Hancko’s legs, throwing it into the middle of the Feyenoord defence and smashing home. A low shot from Timon Wellenreuther went for a corner. “It’s just a natural feeling,” says Tillman. Later in the half, he deflected a shot that hit the post but ended up with the Man of the Match award.
“I think he’s a confident footballer,” PSV striker Luuk de Jong told ESPN after the game. “He’s technical and very strong. He gets between [the opponent] and turns around. But you also have to pay attention to his defense and the ease with which he takes the ball away from the opponent. It also brings a lot of energy. “
Tillman acknowledges he’s still learning, but he’s proud of his progression this season. “I would say my defense is a lot better than before. And yes, in general, my physical condition has improved, betting with the ball, betting between the lines, getting in the box, things like that. “
“When he came here, I don’t think [Malik] was as sure of himself as he is now,” Pepi says. “[Tillman] is a special player,” he says Stewart. Su progression has been fantastic and he’s grown as a person. He can be quiet at times, and he was when he arrived, but if I look at him down now with the group, his personality is evolving and it shows. Also on the pitch. “
Tillman started 11 Eredivisie games, making nine appearances, scoring six goals in total and providing five assists. “I would say I’m still a young player,” Tillman says. “I can do everything. I just depend on my fitness. “, in my strength, and then I finish, thinking outside the box, about my weak foot and also about the counter-pressure when we lose the ball. So everything. “
Dest, 23, has started as many of the trio’s games this season: 20 of PSV’s 25 in the Eredivisie and seven of PSV’s eight in the Champions League. He’s known Stewart for years, since Dest debated whether or not to play for the USMNT or the Netherlands when he was at Ajax. After staying in touch, Stewart planted the seed with Dest for a conceivable move to PSV last April, when Dest was on loan at AC Milan.
Sergino Dest says it would be a lot if PSV Eindhoven finished the Eredivisie season unbeaten.
Dest’s resume is one that most players would envy: he started at Ajax, moved to Barcelona in 2020 for €21 million and spent last season on loan at AC Milan. But it wasn’t easy. After playing a vital role under Ronald Koeman at Barcelona, he fell out of favour with Xavi when he took over. At AC Milan, he played in the first half of last season, but played lightly in the second half, leaving education alone.
“What have I learned? I mean, mentally, I’ve made wonderful progress. Everything that’s happened to me has been hard,” Dest told ESPN. “You know, those things hurt me a little bit, but I’m not the type of user who’s going to say, ‘Okay, that’s it, I’m not playing anymore. ‘Instead, I’m going to paint over anything. If something like this happens in the future, I know how to deal with it. I feel like I treated him right because those moments are out of your control. So it’s about sticking around and making sure I get a chance to improve and show what I can do. But I’m satisfied with listening. “
Dest has played primarily as a left-back this season and has been an integral component of PSV’s formula thanks to his ability to interact with Noa Lang and Mexico’s Hirving Lozano on that side of the pitch. He feels that his left-footed center has taken a step forward. striker and is satisfied with his defensive work.
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“I try to play the way I need to and rarely the coaches give you a lot of instruction and some coaches can give you freedom, you know?And I think that’s what I need: freedom and being able to play the best I can. “.
He says he feels “very vital to the team”, but when he arrived at PSV his goal was simple: “The priority is to play. I needed to get minutes, I needed to show myself again. “
He also played a key role in the team’s atmosphere and morale. “He’s probably one of the funniest people I know,” Pepi says of Dest. “You know, he’s joking with me and some of the other players. “
“The first day came near the end of the window and we were betting against the Rangers,” Stewart said. “And Peter [Bosz] said, ‘Sergiño has already said he can play. . . Even possible? And I said, “Yes, it can. Knock on wood, its structure is designed for elite sports and can do maximum amazing things. He’s an attacking full-back, which is helping us the way we need to play, going. “up and down the sideline like he does.
“I think it’s important for him to stay at a club longer and then, you know, make sure he grows more and more. And then once he joins the bigger clubs he’s already been a part of, he goes there as a pillar.
While Dest and Tillman are on loan at PSV, the 21-year-old Pepi signed a permanent contract in June. It’s been a tough couple of seasons for the striker. In January 2022, he left Dallas for Bundesliga side Augsburg for €16 million. He arrived at the club in the midst of a relegation battle, making 16 appearances for the club at the end of the 21-22 season and making a clean sheet at the start of the 22-23 campaign. At the end of the summer transfer window, Augsburg loaned him out to Eredivisie side FC Groningen, where he regained his form with thirteen goals in 31 appearances.
Ricardo Pepi says he learned to be one after the sadness of missing out on a spot at the 2022 World Cup.
“When you’re in a big hole, you think of tactics to get out of that hole,” Pepi says. “And it’s rarely impossible, but at the end of the day, things can only be fixed. “Really bad before you start having a good time. I’ve been in conditions like that, and of course I’m missing things like the World Cup. You know? I think I can get out of a pretty big hole.
“I’m a mentally strong person and when something goes wrong, I know I can get through it. I think that’s the most important lesson I’ve learned. “
Stewart watched him closely and saw how he handled the pain of not being part of the USMNT team for the 2022 World Cup. Meanwhile, Pepi persevered.
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By his own admission, this season has not gone as Pepi would have hoped. Take a look at the expected goals (xG) consistent with 90 minutes and see Pepi’s decision leading the way with 1. 65. But the 21-year-old has been used as a substitute this season, as his only Eredivisie start was at home, against Heracles last month, out of position on the left wing. His place on the bench will go to the club’s only striker and captain, Luuk de Jong, who leads the Eredivisie with 22 goals and 11 assists.
“I didn’t expect this season to be one of those seasons,” Pepi says. “I came to the team to compete and earn a starting spot. I think this is the season where I learn. I can’t start, though, I can come off the bench, I can score goals, so it’s been a positive season so far. But yes, it’s a season of learning. ” I’m still a young player and I’m learning from someone who is a club legend.
“I just look at the way he directs the ball and his movements in the box. And also the way he acts as a set-up player, little main points like this that he might want to address, you know?We are other players, there is still a lot to learn. But I’ve learned that, you know, I have to be patient. You want to be in a position when the opportunity arises.
Stewart has been inspired by Pepi and is confident that he will continue to expand at the club. “Ricardo is a player who has some courage and is lethal in the box,” Stewart said. “It’s amazing how well he can hit that ball and for him his progression lies in the way we need to play. His progression has been and is a shame that he is playing with one of the most productive centre-forwards in the world. Europe at the moment. an extraordinary teammate.
Pepi’s moment of the season, his last win against Sevilla at the organisational level of the Champions League in November. “It’s about being patient and trusting the process,” he says. That 92nd-minute header to a 3-2 win in Seville was enough to qualify. PSV for the qualifiers, where the trio made their percentage of American history.
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When Pepi came off the bench against Borussia Dortmund in February, Tillman and Dest were already on the pitch and their arrival marked the first time three USMNT players covered at the same time in a Champions League knockout match. and I think it’s an amazing thing for the United States,” Tillman said.
Collectively, they appreciate what they achieve and help others, but when it comes to drawing parallels between them, given that they are all US internationals, PSV and their stage are reluctant to lump them together. “It’s not a boy band,” says one source. I feel like we all have other paths in our lives and, of course, we enjoy other conditions and moments of our careers,” Pepi said.
“I don’t know if those three have a common mindset, but at the same time, if you’ve struggled in life, whatever it is, that makes you think about things a lot more,” Stewart says. I’m pretty sure if there’s a connection, all of those players have experienced this in one way or another, which is helping them in their careers.
“All three of them are different individuals, like other people and players, and in the qualities they bring. But what they share is that they’ve struggled here and there, and that made them the players they are today. “
Stewart expects Tillman and Dest to stay at PSV in the long term. The club has characteristics in both, but the duo will have no shortage of suitors. It’s a familiar scenario for Dutch clubs: Stewart is already in favour of winger/striker Bakayoko leaving the club this summer, while midfielder Joey Veerman is also a potential target for a move if he continues his impressive season.
“Holland is known for developing its talents,” Stewart says. We expand players at our point and then I hope they stay here for two or three years and then take the next step, because that’s also part of the business style. “we have here.
“Obviously, once you’re successful, everyone has to take credit. So, you know, we’re going to try to keep as many players here as possible, but also knowing that there’s going to be one player that’s going to keep going. “”We’re leaving and we just want to be in a position to do it and have the right player to come in and update them. “
No matter who comes to Eindhoven, PSV will remain true to their attacking philosophy. “If you do things right [off the field], you’ll be able to play with a confident taste and form,” Stewart says. “Success will probably be becoming champions every year and betting on the Champions League every year, bringing players here who take the next step in their careers and go on to bigger and bigger things, at the same time doing I’m sure the club’s finances are in a very smart state. But our goal, first and foremost, is that each and every seat is occupied in the Philips Stadion and that other people come to the stadium believing that their team is passing. win. “
All of this contributed to a remarkable and undefeated season. This summer, Dest, Tillman and Pepi are due to be part of the USMNT team that will compete in the America’s Cup. Berhalter left for PSV in November and assistant coach B. J. Callaghan was involved in their draw against Feyenoord. “I think it’s smart that those are three guys at PSV,” Berhalter told De Telegraaf. “They’re together, they’re at a smart club and they play in the Champions League. They’re still young and they’re at an age where we’re still developing. I’m satisfied with that. I know Earnie doesn’t sign American players because they’re American, but because they’re the right players. “
But before thinking about the Copa America, the trio needs to win the title. In about a month’s time, you’ll be waiting to hear the celebrations in this tranquil sanctuary on the outskirts of Eindhoven when PSV take delivery of their 25th Dutch title. “We’ve scored in every single game, and if we continue until the end of the season and win or draw, we’ll make history,” Dest said. “We’ve already come a long way, we just need to finish it. We can only lose to ourselves.
“It’s going to mean a lot to this organization because other people will stay on this team forever. “