Sergiño Dest Benched for Tardiness in PSV vs. Napoli Clash

USMNT defender Sergiño Dest faced a disciplinary decision from PSV Eindhoven’s manager after tardiness impacted his match readiness. In a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Napoli, the 24-year-old was benched due to arriving late for the team’s pre-match preparations.

Manager’s Disciplinary Action

Following his late arrival, manager Peter Bosz decided to start Ryan Flamingo instead. Bosz emphasized the importance of adhering to team agreements, stating, “Sergiño was late today, so he won’t be playing. This isn’t a difficult decision.” He noted that players must respect rules established three years ago.

Dest was expected to play a vital role in the match, having participated in the pre-game press conference alongside Bosz. However, his tardiness led to a disappointing turn of events. Bosz added, “If you’re not on time, you know the consequences.”

Dest’s Reflections on the Match

In a previous discussion, Dest expressed the significance of competing in Champions League fixtures. “You have to show character,” he remarked. The young defender recognizes the unique challenges posed by matches against top clubs like Napoli, highlighting Serie A’s competitive nature and Napoli’s strong lineup.

History of Disciplinary Measures

This incident is reminiscent of a previous situation involving Malik Tillman, another American player under Bosz’s management. Tillman also faced consequences for missing a morning meeting, which led to his exclusion from a match against Almere City. He later acknowledged his mistake, vowing to improve timekeeping in the future.

Current Season Overview

Despite the recent setback, Dest had been a consistent starter for PSV, having participated in all eight league games this season. As he continues to recover from an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign, his focus remains on regaining his spot in the starting XI and contributing to the team’s success in both domestic and European competitions.