For PSV, De Graafschap is the first hurdle towards winning the cup. The formation from Doetinchem eliminated FC Twente earlier this season in the KNVB Cup. Head coach Roger Schmidt knows it will not be an easy task.
All-or-nothing effect
"I love cup football," Schmidt says. "The fact that in one match the winner goes one round further I find beautiful and challenging," he adds. For Schmidt, the fact that PSV is still active on three fronts does not mean he sees the cup tournament as a bonus. "Our goal is clear: we are fighting for the win. We will have to show those intentions every game and that starts Wednesday."
Strong opponent
There is no question of underestimating the coach. "De Graafschap beat FC Twente in the previous round. That proves that they are a strong team, which can also surprise against us." The fact that De Superboeren play a step lower in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie says nothing to Schmidt: "I know from stories and analyses that it is not easy to play in Doetinchem."
Same selection
Apart from Noni Madueke, Schmidt does not expect the eliminated players to make their return before Christmas. He does say that everyone who played against FC Utrecht came out fit. PSV will play three more games before Christmas, including the first against De Graafschap.