PSV has arrived at the Estádio da Luz, the home of Benfica. At the press conference, the head coach looks ahead to the important match: "We are ready for the match."
The opponent
Portugal's record champion is now the final obstacle toward the group stage of the Champions League. An opponent of stature, Schmidt realizes: "Benfica is a strong team. They have a lot of individual qualities in their team. But this is an important match for us and that's how we play. We know Benfica has a good team and we respect them. I think they feel the same way about us."
Clean sheets
In the first six games of the season, PSV has only conceded two goals and grabbed four clean sheets in a row. A nice statistic for Schmidt's team. But his tactics hold no secrets, he says: "Our players are well matched. When you defend as a team you form a connection together. We always try to keep our opponent far away from our goal. But tomorrow we also have to be top offensively, not just in defense."
Favorites
After victories earlier in the season, PSV can go into the game in Portugal with their heads up. "Winning is good for confidence, the players have to believe in what we are doing and we are in a good phase now," said the Head Coach. "We have to be at our top level, but above all be ourselves." As to which team has the greatest chance of winning, Schmidt makes no comment, "It doesn't matter who the favorite is, because we always play to win. Then it doesn't matter who is the favorite and who is the challenger."