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PSV are in England for a five-day training camp in England and four new signings have also made the trip: Oscar Moens, Jelle de Bock, Manuel da Costa and Carlos Salcido. PSV.nl will introduce them to you this week. Today it is Manuel da Costa’s turn. First of all there are some questions on his origin. He has got a Portuguese name and a Portuguese passport, but he only speaks French. Has he got Moroccan roots? Timmy Simons kindly acted as interpreter, when we asked 20-year-old Da Costa some questions in the players’ coach. “My father is Portuguese and my mother is Moroccan, but I was born in France. My parents have been living there for a long time yet; that’s why I was raised in France and speak French. I understand Portuguese and Moroccan a bit, but I speak French in daily life.” Da Costa has got a double passport: a Portuguese and a French one. He made appearances for the national Portuguese team U21. Da Costa, who joined PSV from AS Nancy, will wear the number 14 shirt. What does the young defender think of the pre-season campaign? “The pace of the game is higher than at Nancy”, explains Da Costa. “The players are more skilful and the level of the game here is higher. This is a great squad and the atmosphere is terrific. I feel I could do better on the pitch, but I try to adapt each and every day. I have to get used to the way of training here. At Nancy we would not touch a ball for days. Here is it quite different.” Da Costa looks up to head coach Ronald Koeman. “I obviously know him from TV, as coach of Benfica in the Champions League and as a player in the good old days. He boasts a great record and he has a lot to offer.” Up till now Da Costa has been played as centre back and when PSV met KVSK United he was in the position of right back defender. The PSV fans will be able to see him in action next Monday, when PSV organise the annual Fan Day. PSV will then play a practise game against an amateur side from the county of Brabant.
