Talking Tactics: New PSV coach Bosz guarantees style if not success
Peter Bosz has returned to the Netherlands as the new manager of PSV Eindhoven.
The 59-year-old was formally the head coach at Ajax, which was the start of a run in which he took charge of some big clubs across Europe.
Last season was a successful one for PSV under their former manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, finishing second in the Eredivisie and winning both the Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup.
With Bosz now at the helm, we take a look at what fans of the Dutch giants can expect from their new appointment.
Multiple sackings
Bosz has had some successes over recent years, but there are also reasons for PSV supporters to have some concerns.
In his one season at Ajax, the Amsterdam outfit failed to win a trophy, finishing second in the Eredivisie and losing the 2016-17 Europa League final.
That did not stop Borussia Dortmund from poaching Bosz, but his spell was short-lived. After just six months in charge he was sacked.
The Dutch coach did better in the Bundesliga at Bayer Leverkusen. Appointed a year after his dismissal from Dortmund, he led his new club to Champions League qualification.
Bosz's first full season at Leverkusen was also a success as his team reached the DFB-Pokal final, but he was sacked again in 2021.
Most recently he has been at Lyon. Bosz delivered an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 in his debut campaign, before he was shown the door after the first 10 matches of last season.
Throughout, Bosz has delivered an attacking style that is easy on the eye, but he has not managed to sustain any success, or win a trophy, despite given opportunities at some of Europe's elite.
Tactical philosophy
What has been a constant in Bosz's career is a commitment to a brand of attacking football that PSV supporters will enjoy.
On his style, he explained: "I have a philosophy of offensive play, of attractive football because we play for the fans and not for ourselves.
"But the way we will play obviously depends on the players."
That last statement rings true, with Bosz being adaptable with his tactics based on the talent available to him. He set up with a single-pivot at Leverkusen and a double at Lyon, for example.
With the ball, his sides tend to look to create numerical superiority, with plenty of rotation in a formation that starts as a 4-3-3.
Out of possession, Bosz expects his teams to press high and with aggression, in order to quickly regain control.
Developing youngsters
One area in which Bosz has always excelled is his willingness to give young players a chance to develop.
In his lone season at Ajax, he gave the likes of Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt and Justin Kluivert their debuts.
During his years at Leverkusen, he developed Kai Havertz and Julian Brandt. Bosz has also been effective in changing the positions of players.
Brandt was shifted from the wing to a central position, while at Lyon, midfielder Thiago Mendes became a centre-back.
At PSV, the new manager will enjoy working with youngsters such as Johan Bakayoko and Xavi Simons.
Bosz is not a coach that guarantees success but the football will be pleasing and he is adept finding innovative solutions.