Former coach Robert Maaskant has backed Lutsharel Geertruida’s decision to join PSV despite the fierce reaction from Feyenoord supporters. 

Lutsharel Geertruida’s move from RB Leipzig to PSV continues to generate discussion in the Netherlands, particularly in Rotterdam.

The former Feyenoord defender made his official PSV debut last Sunday during the emphatic 5-1 victory over FC Groningen, but his transfer has remained controversial among sections of the Feyenoord fanbase.

After choosing PSV, Geertruida faced a barrage of insults, despite his long-standing connection with Feyenoord. However, Maaskant believes the defender was fully entitled to make the decision.

Speaking to Sportnieuws.nl, Maaskant acknowledged Geertruida’s connection with Rotterdam but argued that the move made sense from a professional perspective.

“He is, of course, a child of Rotterdam-South,” Maaskant began.

He continued: “Supporters are very emotional and find it scandalous, but every footballer sees it as his job. That guy is completely within his rights to choose to do this. It’s that simple. If you can choose something where you can earn twice as much and play at a higher level, because PSV is still just a little bit better than Feyenoord.”

Financial considerations also played a major role. Feyenoord coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst previously confirmed that signing Geertruida was not financially feasible for the club.

“He may have let his feelings speak if Feyenoord had been able to pay him. But that was never the case. Van Bronckhorst also said that they couldn't afford him,” Maaskant said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

From a sporting perspective, Maaskant also believes PSV have addressed an area that required strengthening.

“I think the central pairing is now vulnerable. I’m not saying that those are bad players. I don’t, but it has turned out that gaps are appearing too often. That often comes from the center,” he explained.

“Geertruida is an excellent signing, also because he’s multifunctional. He’s really well deployable. He has experience in the Eredivisie and at the highest level. PSV has secured a good addition there.”

Peter Bosz, meanwhile, has hailed a new rule as “the best rule of the past ten years” following PSV’s 5-1 victory over Groningen.

Players who receive treatment on the pitch must now remain outside the field for at least one minute before returning. Bosz believes the regulation can reduce unnecessary stoppages.

“That is the best rule of the past ten years,” Bosz said, referring to Guus Til’s situation shortly before half-time.

The PSV coach believes players are now more likely to get back to their feet rather than remain on the pitch unnecessarily.

“Then they just stay on the ground and you absolutely have to bring a water bag into it. Get up, man. Be a guy and just carry on. That happens with this rule. Suddenly everyone can get up, because otherwise you have to go to the side for a minute,” Bosz said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

He also believes the rule could change how medical situations are handled during matches.

“You’ll certainly make a wrong assessment once in a while, but nine times out of ten the medical staff can simply stay on the couch. It will happen regularly that you either play against or with ten men, so it’s definitely worth making it something that can be trained,” Bosz concluded.