Mark van Bommel faces his first Ajax - PSV as head coach on Sunday. As a player, Van Bommel experienced some lows in the ArenA, but especially many highlights. The most beautiful he already named himself. Back to March 20, 2005, back to Mark van Bommel's day.
Leave
Actually, Mark van Bommel should not be playing in PSV's shirt at all in the spring of 2005. With still a one-year contract, PSV seems, according to various media, keen to sell the captain. After a disappointing season (2003-2004) without prizes, PSV is cleaning up in the summer of 2004. Seasoned champions such as Ronald Waterreus, Mateja Kezman and Dennis Rommedahl will leave, as will top talent Arjen Robben. A transitional year lies ahead.
'Cocu. The ball has to go in front at once because it's really the last seconds of the first half... Vennegoor of Hesselink still with a chance... Van Bommel... 2-0. 2-0. At the stroke of half-time.'
Motivation
Contrary to those expectations, PSV is experiencing one of the most successful seasons in (recent) club history. Led by newcomers Heurelho Gomes and Alex, the returning Phillip Cocu, cap striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and an up to the bone motivated Van Bommel, PSV celebrates the national championship, cup win and proudly looks back at the Champions League campaign in the spring, which only ends in the tail end of the semifinals.
'Van Bommel has already missed one penalty this season. But has also already utilized three and this one is also in. So by now you can also say that Van Bommel is setting himself up here in the Dutch national team. Not so much because he shoots in this penalty, but because he is the big boss here in midfield.'
Michels
PSV becomes champions and ends up with a 10-point lead over Ajax. The decisive battle is struck on March 20, 2005. In a match that should be dedicated to Rinus Michels - who died in the week preceding the topper - Van Bommel claims the lead role. Six years after Ruud van Nistelrooy, he signed for a hat trick against Ajax as a PSV player. Shortly before halftime he scored his first, from the spot (after a foul on Jefferson Farfan) his second and not too much later diagonally his third.
'Farfan ... Van Bommel ... And number four! It is the day of Mark van Bommel. A glorious day for the Maasbracht native. It's a demasqué of Ajax of note.'
Dominant
It makes that Ajax - PSV one of the favorite games Van Bommel has ever played. "The total match. We were so dominant, stable and balanced. That was really a top team. One with experience and young guys," Van Bommel outlined his feelings about the match. In recent days, the media frequently reported on Van Bommel's feeling towards Ajax. No opponent would motivate him as much as Ajax did. On March 20, 2005, it all came together in an almost perfect performance by the PSV midfielder and current coach. "They are beautiful matches. It's a topper, I think that triggers something in everyone," Van Bommel nuanced those reflections somewhat at Friday's press conference. But that it was one of his favorite opponents, there is no doubt about that.