SOCCER
Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano argues with Ricardo Pepi on return to PSV Eidhoven
The Mexican forward was eager to take a late penalty, but the USMNT striker pulled rank and coolly despatched the spot kick.
Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano made his first appearance since returning to PSV Eindhoven, but was left frustrated after being denied the opportunity to take a late penalty.
PSV were cruising to victory over NEC after a brace from Luuk de Jong and another from Noa Lang put them in the driving seat. With a three-goal cushion PSV were awarded a late penalty, which Lozano was eager to take on his return to the club.
The Mexican forward staked his claim to take the spot kick, but was usurped by USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi. The 20-year-old American also signed for PSV this summer and had failed to score in his first three appearances for the club.
Pepi and Lozano visibly argued over who would take the penalty, drawing an angry reaction from the crowd. PSV defender André Ramalho, who was wearing the captain’s armband at the time, eventually stepped in to give Pepi the kick.
The American put the penalty away confidently but PSV fans may be wondering about the two new signings’ relationship. The US-Mexican rivalry is a fierce one at international level and PSV head coach Peter Bosz may have some work to do to keep both players happy.
Chucky Lozano makes second debut for PSV Eindhoven
It may not have been the goal-scoring return that he would have hoped for, but Lozano is now back at the club where he enjoyed the best spell of his career. He moved from Pachuca to PSV in 2017 and scored 40 goals across two seasons with the Dutch side.
He won the Eredivisie with PSV in 2017/18 before making a €42 million ($46.5m) move to Italian side Napoli in 2019. He was Napoli’s record signing at the time, as well as the most expensive Mexican player in history, but struggled to replicate his PSV form in Naples.
Napoli won the Serie A title in his final season at the club but he only contributed four goals in 41 appearances last year. On 1 September it was confirmed that Lozano had re-signed with PSV.
Next up for the Dutch side, a trip to England for the Champions League fixture against Arsenal on Wednesday evening.