In the following year, PSV won the league and the domestic cup, and reached the semifinals of the European Cup. Van der Kuijlen scored 27 league goals. After the two consecutive titles, PSV ended second in 1977. Edström left the squad after the season, breaking up his partnership with Van der Kuijlen, but also giving way for a new playing style. PSV's game would become more varied, with Rijvers making the team play without a set striker. Van der Kuijlen and Gerrie Deijkers would take turns during matches in becoming the front man. Although he was not keen on becoming captain (declaring that he was "too busy with his own game"), Van der Kuijlen was appointed as the team skipper before the 1977-78 season.