Malik Tillman was very important with two goals against Fortuna Sittard. The still young American shot in a beautiful free kick and looks back on his performance and that of his teammates.
You guys were struggling, so this win was very important. Why
"We didn't play well enough to really create many chances. The intensity wasn't there in the first half."
Where do you think that was due to?
"It was entirely down to ourselves. On the ball it was not as it should be, not as we want and not at the level asked of us. We have to focus every league game and start with high intensity. Every weekend 100% focus is expected from us; if we want to be champions again, the motivation has to come from ourselves."
It looked like it was going to be a very difficult night for PSV. Did you have any doubts whether you were going to get the win?
"No, because of the way we started the second half, I was convinced we were going to take the three points back to Eindhoven. I'm glad we managed to do it."
You shot the free kick in very nicely. Was there any doubt about who was going to take the free kick?
"No, Olivier told me he was going to put the ball down so the Fortuna Sittard goalkeeper would think he was going to take it. I knew I was going to take it and the ball was nicely in front of it as well."
What do you think is your best position on the field?
"My favorite position is as number ten, in midfield. But I play wherever the team and the coach needs me, wherever that is."
Finally, is this season harder for you or do you find it pretty much the same?
"Every team we play against now obviously wants to beat the champion. It's up to us to go for it every game and make sure that doesn't happen."