Sara Thrige has been an undisputed base player at PSV Women since her arrival last winter. The experienced right back came over from AC Milan and wants to transfer her experience to other players. Despite having seen a lot already, Sara is impressed with how everything is arranged at PSV.
How are you doing?
"Good, I feel very good. It's my first full season at PSV. I like how things are arranged here, everything is clear and structured. Besides that, it's also a very nice group. There are a lot of different types, but I think we all fit well together."
And what is your role in the group?
"I am, of course, one of the older players. That's why I try to exude experience and calmness, so others can relate to that."
So does it help that you are one of the few who have played abroad?
"Yes absolutely. Of course I started in the Danish league, which is still fairly comparable to the league here. But in Italy, of course, the league is very different. I try to pass on as many experiences as possible, because I learned a lot there myself. That way, I hope that others will also improve."
It has been an excellent start to the season so far. What do you expect from upcoming opponent, perhaps this season's revelation, FC Utrecht?
"They have indeed also started the season very strongly. They are a very tough, tough team. But we can also play good football, so we are going from our own strengths. But we have been warned. I expect a fun match."
After that match comes an international period. Looking forward to playing for the national team again, and maybe going home for a while?
"I'm definitely looking forward to playing for the national team again, but going home for a while is out of the question. We are going to Spain with the team, so then I won't have time to visit home. But that doesn't matter, Christmas is coming up again. Then I can spend time with family. Now the goal for me is to play permanently with the selection again, so I can play another European Championship."
After that period, another top game is coming up, against Ajax.
"Yes, absolutely. We're comfortable in it, so I see no reason to go there with our tails between our legs. But we have to focus on FC Utrecht first, because they are also dangerous. We'll see it match by match."
What do you want to achieve at the end of the season?
"Our goal was to join Ajax and FC Twente. Because even though we finished third last year, the gap with them was big. We are well on our way now, with already a draw against FC Twente, but the season is still long. Therefore, our goals have not yet been adjusted, but that we are on the right track is certain."