Gullit slams Pepi's passive role in Champions League duel

During the halftime of the Champions League match between PSV and Shakhtar Donetsk, in which the Ukrainian side was already leading 0‑1 at the break, former Dutch international Ruud Gullit did not hold back about the first half of American striker Ricardo Pepi.

Criticism of Pepi's first half

Gullit made it clear that he is not impressed by Pepi's performance in the first half. For the analyst, the American striker does not meet the demands that a Champions League match requires.

The striker of the Eindhoven side is labelled by the former Dutch international as being insufficiently involved in the build‑up. Gullit says that Pepi barely participates in the combinations that PSV tries to create.

In particular, Pepi's positioning and runs do not please Gullit. He sees the forward often standing still in the centre, making it difficult for the team to retain possession of the ball.

"He does not take part in the whole", Gullit begins during the break. The statement underscores his displeasure with the way the striker positions himself.

Presenter Hélène Hendriks asks him specifically about the performance of the American striker. Gullit replies: "He is often not available for a pass."

Gullit illustrates his point with an example involving Ruben van Bommel. When the winger is reached, he expects Pepi to move from the centre to the flank, but he stays in the middle.

Comparison with Luuk de Jong

The analyst draws a comparison with former PSV striker Luuk de Jong. According to Gullit, the Dutch attacker constantly made himself available for a pass, allowing the team to win ground under pressure.

Luuk de Jong was praised by Gullit because he often positioned himself as a release point, enabling the ball to reach the attack more quickly. That flexibility, according to the former international, Pepi lacked.

"Pepi is a finisher, but that's actually what they need now. He must be more unpredictable," concludes Gullit. He insists that the American striker should work harder, move more, and make himself available for the ball more often.