In a revealing moment that speaks volumes about the modern football media landscape, PSV Eindhoven head coach Peter Bosz found himself addressing a noticeably sparse press room ahead of his team's upcoming Eredivisie fixture against Go Ahead Eagles. The Dutch champions, having already secured the league title, have seen a significant drop in media attention, a phenomenon Bosz addressed with a mix of amusement and pointed commentary.
The incident occurred during the pre-match press conference for Sunday's game. Bosz openly remarked on the low attendance, a stark contrast to the packed rooms that typically follow a title-winning campaign. The atmosphere shifted when a journalist in attendance coined the term 'succesjournalisten'—a Dutch phrase implying reporters who only cover a team during its successful periods. Bosz's reaction was a laugh, acknowledging the uncomfortable truth behind the label.
This scenario is not unique to PSV but reflects a broader trend in sports journalism. Media interest often peaks during title races, relegation battles, or European campaigns. Once the primary objective is achieved or lost, the narrative drive diminishes, leading to reduced coverage. For a club like PSV, which has dominated the Eredivisie this season, the post-title period can feel like an afterthought to some outlets, despite the remaining matches holding significance for league integrity and individual player milestones.
From a tactical and squad management perspective, the final games of a championship-winning season are crucial. Coaches like Bosz use this time to experiment with formations, give playing time to fringe players, and maintain competitive sharpness. The match against Go Ahead Eagles, while seemingly a dead rubber, is an opportunity for PSV to continue building a winning culture and for players to stake their claim for next season's plans. The lack of media scrutiny, however, means these subtle developments often go unreported to the wider public.
The term 'succesjournalisten' itself is a critique of fair-weather coverage. It suggests a media contingent that is present for the glory but absent for the grind. For the journalists who remained, the press conference offered a more intimate setting, potentially allowing for deeper tactical questions and less sensationalized soundbites. Bosz's laughter could be interpreted as a sign of respect for those who show up consistently, regardless of the team's position in the table.
Looking at the Eredivisie context, PSV's dominance this season has been comprehensive. Securing the title with games to spare is a testament to their consistency under Bosz. However, it also creates a narrative vacuum. The primary story is written, and the media's attention naturally shifts to the drama elsewhere—be it the fight for European spots, the relegation dogfight, or managerial changes at other clubs. This leaves the champion in a peculiar position: celebrated on the pitch but potentially overlooked in the press room.
For the fans and the club's internal stakeholders, the season is far from over. Each remaining match is a chance to set records, solidify team chemistry, and end the campaign on a high note. The perspective of the 'success journalist' is therefore at odds with the day-to-day reality of running a football club. The work continues, even when the major trophy is already in the cabinet.
Peter Bosz's handling of the situation was characteristically pragmatic. By laughing off the comment, he diffused any potential awkwardness while subtly highlighting the fickle nature of media attention. It serves as a reminder that the relationship between clubs and the press is often transactional, based on current newsworthiness rather than a commitment to covering the full journey of a season.
As the Eredivisie season winds down, this episode at PSV's press conference will likely be remembered as a minor footnote. Yet, it encapsulates a significant aspect of modern sports media economics. The demand for content is high, but the supply of compelling narratives is finite. When a team like PSV fulfills its primary objective early, it inadvertently removes itself from the central storyline, leaving the 'success journalists' to seek drama elsewhere.
Based on reporting from Voetbal International.
