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Luckassen looking forward to brighter days at PSV after tough start

After struggling for game time last season, PSV Eindhoven defender Derrick Luckassen is hoping for a better time under new manager Mark van Bommel this term. 

The centre-back, who can also play in midfield, was restricted to 19 league appearances involving just nine starts under Phillip Cocu, whose association with the Red and Whites ended last month. 

It was the 23-year-old's first season at Philips Stadion following a five-year move from AZ Alkmaar last summer.

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"I was not good at watching from the bench, but I think that is also quite normal for a sportsman," Luckassen told Eindhovens Dagblad

"Still, I kept on fighting, and I do not really have another year for that, which has nothing to do with the club or the players. 

"It's bad for my own development as a player."

Despite the tough time, Luckassen holds no grudge against Cocu.

"He made the choices and explained them. Of course, you sometimes habour some ill-feelings, but you have to stay reasonable," the Amsterdam-born remarked. 

"Now we all start at zero again and soon a new PSV manager will start. Mark van Bommel now gets to make the choices, maybe that will change the situation.

"Personally, I think I am good enough to play at PSV in defence and then I think I will take a step abroad. Give me a year of opportunity and you will see that things will be fine."

Born to Ghanaian parents in the Netherlands, Luckassen is eligible to represent Ghana at senior level, having represented his birth country at various youth levels.

He maintains his doors are open to the Black Stars as much as they are to Oranje.

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