PSV is in pole position for second place. Head coach Roger did not escape looking cautiously at next season on Friday morning for that reason, but put the emphasis on finishing this year well. 'After a good week, the pressure is still on us,' he said referring to the ranking after last Sunday.
Sights set on second place
"Last weekend was a good weekend for us," Schmidt began his weekly press interview. Of course, he was referring to rival AZ's defeat in the battle for second place and PSV's victory over FC Groningen, which means that the difference between Schmidt's team and the Alkmaarers is three points. PSV also has a (much) better goal difference. "Yet the pressure is still on us. sc Heerenveen is a good team that will make things difficult for us. In the outward match we experienced that they are strong on the counter and deadly effective in front of goal. We prepared for that in particular this week," said the German, who wants to finish second with PSV.
Speculation surrounding Schmidt
Only when that is accomplished will the focus shift to next season. However, there is already considerable speculation about that. Among other things around his own person. German media reported in the past week that there is interest in Schmidt, but the Head Coach will not comment on that. "I did not come to PSV to stay one year. I put my signature under a mission of at least two season. Moreover, I haven't been able to experience what it's like to work in a full Philips Stadium. I want that very much. If I were to leave now, I won't have the feeling of having been coach of PSV."
Interest in players
Dutch media in turn reported that PSV is in the midst of strengthening its selection. Among others, Davy Pröpper and Joey Veerman - Sunday's opponent - are said to be seriously on the radar. Both excellent footballers, Schmidt believes. "But at the moment I cannot comment on names," he stressed. "We will undoubtedly have to say goodbye to a number of star players after the season and at the same time start looking for top players who will make PSV better again than we already are. That seems logical to me. Every club strives to put together the best possible selection. Especially clubs with goals as high as ours."
Absentees
One of the strong holders who will certainly not be there on Sunday is Denzel Dumfries. The PSV captain was suspended against FC Groningen. In addition, there are minor injury problems with Timo Baumgartl and Mohamed Ihattaren. "Timo and Mo have not fully participated in group training this week. They are suffering from some minor irritations. Timo will therefore definitely not be there Sunday, Mo is still a doubt," Schmidt said.
Madueke
Possibly that offers an opportunity to Noni Madueke. The Englishman has not featured as much in recent weeks, but Schmidt has great confidence in the talent. "I have a lot of options up front. Donyell Malen, Eran Zahavi, Cody Gakpo and Mario Götze are doing very well at the moment. In addition, with Yorbe Vertessen, Mo Ihattaren and Noni, I have many choices if I want to bring in another. Noni has made great strides this season, has been out temporarily with an injury and then has not always shown his best on the training pitch. Last week Noni put in a lot of work and he will certainly start to get minutes in the last four games. I am convinced he can take the next step at PSV next season."