It seems certain that PSV will face Omonia Nicosia with a different team than a week ago against Granada CF or last Sunday against sc Heerenveen. This is evident from the words of Roger Schmidt, who must protect his players from physical malaise.
Fitness
"Everyone knows that we have to play a lot of games. I have to pay attention to the fitness of my players," Schmidt began Wednesday morning at the press conference. "As always, we will prepare well. PSV must always play for the win. Even if we are already seeded."
Through December 22, PSV has five more games on the schedule. "The next five games I have two goals. To win as many as possible and to keep an eye on the physical condition of the players," Schmidt said. "Not everyone comes to me to say they are tired and want a rest, but I can see that from them. Then I take responsibility for that."
That was already evident last Sunday against sc Heerenveen, where the German brought a number of strongmen to the side in the second half just when PSV gave the game away (in part). "We have to accept that at the moment we are not yet playing at the peak of our abilities. That's not the situation right now. I think we are doing well given the circumstances in this season."
Basis place Viergever
Schmidt revealed that Timo Baumgartl and Nick Viergeven will start anyway against Omonia Nicosia. From the latter's words at the press conference, it is clear that he is looking forward to that. "The coach has always said that he needs everyone really hard. I am a professional and a team player so make sure I am ready when the trainer needs me," said Viergever, who has had to make do with fewer minutes this season so far than the past two seasons at PSV. "Of course I would have preferred to play more often than I do now, but there are also reasons for that. In the preparation I got injured and the recovery took a bit longer than hoped. After that, I got Corona. Meanwhile, other guys have done very well."
So with a fit Viergever, PSV will go for a win, which may yet clinch first place in Group E. "As a team, you have to take advantage of every match to grow. That makes tomorrow's match important. It is a moment to show what we have to offer. In addition, we want to finish first. For that we depend on the result of the other match, but we have to win in any case. That's always good for the feeling."