PSV has successfully finished the group stage as winners. A 0-0 draw against Club Brugge was enough to secure the top position. The Belgian side, coached by former PSV trainer Tim Wolf, failed to score—thanks in large part to some excellent goalkeeping by Kane Aerts. After the match, we spoke with the keeper, who recently signed a contract through mid-2028.
Key moments
The match could have gone either way, admitted standout performer Aerts. 'Both teams had a few chances here and there. I think I did well to keep a clean sheet with some important saves. Personally, it was a good game for me.' PSV only needed a draw to advance as group winners. 'Still, we approached the match like any other. We’ve won every game so far and wanted to keep that streak going.'
Adjusted rules
All teams are still in preseason mode, and a high-level tournament like this can be physically demanding. Yet Aerts sees the challenge as a positive. 'It can be tough, especially since the game rarely stops. Play continues immediately, so you have to stay sharp and there’s no time to rest. But having that intensity early in the season is actually a good thing.' Aerts, son of former PSV goalkeeper Maikel Aerts, appreciates the tournament’s modified rules. 'No fuss about stoppage time—the clock just stops. And you can dribble in right away, which I think is great.'
Room for improvement
Despite PSV remaining unbeaten and Aerts putting in a strong performance, there’s always room to grow. 'For the team, I’d need to rewatch the footage. But personally, I think there were a few moments where I opted for a long ball too quickly, even though there were other options. That was due to the pressure at the time.'
Eyes on the Trophy
The PSV goalkeeper has no preference for who they’ll face in the knockout rounds. 'As long as we win the tournament—that’s the ultimate goal!'