Jorrit Hendrix expects BATE Borisov to open the hunt for a goal tonight from the first minute. The PSV midfielder said that Tuesday afternoon at the press conference at Philips Stadium. "I think that in the previous game it showed how they can play," Hendrix said.
Storm
A week ago, PSV was impressed by the way BATE Borisov started the match. The Belarusian team outplayed PSV with physical play and took an early lead. PSV managed to limit the damage and got better and better in the match as the game progressed. Tonight the team must be ready for a storm from Borisov right away, Hendrix believes.
Hendrix: "I think everyone knows the qualities of BATE by now. Just look at how they started last week. I expect them to start like that again, because the way things are now they should score at least two goals. We have prepared well for that, as we always actually are."
Surprised
Hendrix does have an explanation as to how it is possible that PSV still cannot consistently impose its will on the opponent in phases of matches. "Things sometimes go differently than anticipated. We always try to start the match well, but of course sometimes you get surprised. The fact that we often end up finishing well says everything about the character in our team. We can deal with surprises."
"When you get in the last minute a lot of joy and emotion comes out," Hendrix continued. "It gives a lot of confidence because you are rewarded for continuing to fight for a good result. Last week we could have extended the margin, that didn't happen but because of the 3-2 we are still in an excellent position."
Experience
The last time PSV had to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League via a playoff game, Hendrix was just coming off the bench. After a 1-1 draw against AC Milan at Philips Stadium, Hendrix saw PSV lose 3-0 in Milan. The midfielder, 23 himself, tries to warn his young teammates against a scenario like that time. "Of course I try to help young guys who are at the beginning of their careers where I can. But every season is so different from the last. A new coach, a new way of playing. We all have to get used to that."