In Roger Schmidt’s first season in charge at PSV, the Eindhoven-based side finished in second place in the Eredivisie, a staggering 16 points back of Ajax.
So far, this season has been totally different.
While still sitting second place behind Ajax, they are currently only two points behind them.
Schmidt has also led his side into the quarter-finals of the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League while also being in the final of the KNVB Beker.
The final stretch of this season for PSV could become magical.
It is Schmidt’s last chance for silverware in Eindhoven after he announced he will depart the club in the summer when his contract expires.
This tactical analysis will examine in depth the tactics Schmidt has employed this season at PSV.
This will help us gain a greater understanding of his philosophy and examine why PSV Eindhoven is having such a great season currently.
Utilising attacking rotations during the build-up phase
One thing that Roger Schmidt has done well to implement at PSV is utilising attacking rotations during the build-up phase.
These rotations strongly benefit PSV when they are in possession and building out, as they mean there is always a free passing option.
In the Eredivisie so far this season, PSV have the highest passing rate in the division.
Their 15.7 passes per minute of possession just beat out the 15.1 of Ajax.
This high number of passes per possession shows that PSV opts for a more methodical build-up rather than trying to get from back to front in only a few passes.
This is where these attacking rotations come into play.
The movements of the four attacking players allow the deeper-lying double pivot and the fullbacks to have options to pass to when they are attempting to progress play into the middle and attacking third.
The image above shows a great example of these attacking rotations that PSV regularly use during attacking build-up phases.
The fullback, Phillip Max, is in possession in the middle third of the pitch.
