Battle with VVV-Venlo
Before that happens, of course, there are still things to be done. First of all, as Schmidt points out, PSV has to finish second. Opponent VVV-Venlo will not make it easy for their team. After all, the Limburgers are not yet assured of survival. "We are both fighting for something. VVV-Venlo wants to stay in the Eredivisie and we want to finish second. The players have conformed to that goal, which is hugely important in view of next season. Last Sunday (against Heracles Almelo, ed.) we made a first step. Certainly in the first half we played good football. We have to do the same next weekend, although the match will be tough," Schmidt said.

Giakoumakis
PSV must be especially wary of striker Giorgos Giakoumakis. The Eredivisie's top scorer has already scored 24 times this season. "His qualities are obvious and lie in and around the sixteen. We have to make sure VVV-Venlo get there as little as possible on Sunday. As always, if we are good tactically, we can neutralize the danger of an individual," analyzed Schmidt, who suffered some setbacks on the training pitch this week. Indeed, in addition to Ryan Thomas, Érick Gutiérrez also dropped out. "Guti suffered a muscle injury at training. I don't yet know exactly how long he can't be there, but he won't play on Sunday."

Good news
Fortunately, there was also good news. Indeed, despite the Mexican's injury, Schmidt has quite a lot to choose from. For the two central positions in midfield, for example, with Ibrahim Sangaré, Pablo Rosario and Olivier Boscagli. "But also at the back I have a lot of choice. Nick Viergever is doing well, Jordan Teze has developed this season and Armando Obispo has come back strongly from his injury. At Young PSV, Armando did an excellent job. He's in a good position." In addition, Boscagli can obviously take his "familiar" position as a defender. "I still have to make that decision."

Schmidt looks forward to supporters
And then the PSV head coach also heard midweek that supporters will soon be allowed back into the stadiums. "It's a good signal for football in general and for us in particular. Everyone misses the energy that supporters bring to a match. Even if only ten percent can come, we are looking forward to it," spoke Schmidt, who is looking forward to really getting to know PSV's supporters. "Against FC Emmen I was able to get briefly acquainted with the intensity of our supporters. The uproar after the late winning goal was enormous. I look forward to a full Philips Stadium with great enthusiasm. Hopefully that will be possible next season."