After an excellent first half and a difficult second half, head coach Peter Bosz is especially proud of his team. A red card completely turned the match around, but PSV dragged out a victory in Belgrade.
How would you describe this victory?
"As a deserved, sure-seeming but exciting victory in the second half. A lot changes because of that red card, but we held our own."
How did you prepare the team for this match?
"We focused on a few things beforehand. Starting well, we did that. Game suspensions, we scored three goals from that, instead of getting one against, and I said we shouldn't be afraid to play football either. We did."
There were a lot of players sick, weak and nauseous. So how do you start the game?
"We all saw that I think. We did well, that's all I can expect from them. We were in control of the game, both soccer-wise and on the scoreboard. Other than the three goals we scored, we had a number of chances. Walter saved us in the beginning, but after that we were by far the better one on the pitch and rightly go into the locker room with a 3-0 lead."
So did you still pinch it in the second half?
"Of course. That red card changes the whole match. We had to convert things. Until their first goal we did that very well, with Jerdy dropping back a line. But after that moment they get hope again, the crowd gets behind them and they quickly score the second. After that it's 'women and children' first, but we made it."
Are you proud of the team?
"Normally after the game I often say to them, 'Guys, congratulations.' I didn't do that today. I said, 'Guys, congratulations.' They deserve that after a night like that. They all competed, together. In particular, I want to single out Noa and Johan; they really put in a lot of work on the sides. Joey should also get the credit, he was really important both defensively and offensively. Occasionally he still gets rightly criticized for not switching, but this match he really did a great job."
One more player has not been named, that is Wessel Kuhn. What did you think of him?
"Making your debut for PSV 1 in a UEFA Champions League match, at the time when it is far from being played, and then filling in like that. I think that's really very clever, he did an excellent job."
Then finally, how would you describe this evening in Belgrade?
"Successful!"