It is the first of the last seven games of the season: Heracles Almelo home. According to Roger Schmidt, the match against his old teacher will not be easy. "They spell aggressive and brave football.
Intercountry period
Many PSV players were active for the national teams last week. Always an exciting moment for a coach, but Roger Schmidt can breathe a sigh of relief. "Everyone returned fit from the international period. A number of players have also had success." Cody Gakpo joined Jong Oranje with only two 45-minute games in his legs. "The first game he started from the bench, but he got better and better and eventually scored twice against Hungary."
Whether Gakpo should receive a call-up from Frank de Boer for the European Championship, Schmidt does not know. "I don't want to sit in the coach's chair. He could be an option for Frank de Boer, but Cody will have a lot of competition at Oranje. If he gets more playing time at Jong Oranje then that might be better for his development. It's an issue for the national team coaches."
Heracles Almelo
"The challenge now is to make sure that the button is turned again. The players must now focus on PSV and how we play here. We have to be ready for the remaining seven games, because the last duels are always the most important." At the helm at Heracles Almelo is Frank Wormuth, an old acquaintance of Schmidt's. "I was taught by him for 11 months. I still like to see him, but I have no contact with him before the game. He makes his team play good football, really with an idea," Schmidt said. "They play aggressively, bravely and always with high intensity. They have some players who really cover a lot of yards. It's definitely not going to be easy."
Germans in the Eredivisie
Schmidt also notes that more Germans are active in the Eredivisie, but is not surprised about that. "You sometimes underestimate your own league. There is good football here, especially on the ball, but there is also a development on the other fronts. And also the facilities and the fans are excellent. I understand very well that players and trainers want to be here."
Injuries and contracts
Despite everyone returning fit from the international period, Ryan Thomas did drop out of training this week. His season is over and Schmidt must also continue to do without Mauro Júnior and Maximiliano Romero. Thomas' and Júnior's contracts expire in 2022, but Schmidt expects the club to continue with them. "They are complete footballers. They have the qualities, but are also very consistent. Especially the latter is very important for our system. It is unfortunate that we have to miss them, but our team is good enough to absorb this."
Next season
About his own contract, which also runs for one more season, Schmidt cannot say much yet. "I have a good relationship with Toon Gerbrands and John de Jong. There is no pressure to talk about a new contract right now. In any case, I am happy here. The development of the team is good and I see a lot of potential for next season. Then we will fight for the prizes again, but first we will finish this season well. It would be great to play Champions League next year. We are going to fight for that now."