Head coach Roger Schmidt thinks his squad's self-confidence is growing because of the good football PSV played against Olympiacos FC on Thursday. The coach wants his team to take the mental energy into the rest of the season.
Good match
"The boys are tired," Schmidt laughed when asked about the state of his selection Friday morning. "We were very close yesterday, but can look back on a good match despite the disappointment. I can't blame my players for anything. We experienced that we can play incredibly good football."
Trust
That should give confidence, according to Schmidt. "We have shown that tactically and soccer-wise we are certainly no worse than Olympiacos FC. That is the dyed-in-the-wool champion of Greece. A team that always plays Champions League football. That gives us confidence. Confidence also that our tactics are right. That we are getting better."
Details
According to the PSV coach, his team lacked luck Thursday night. "I don't like to look back and think in what/if scenarios. I stand behind the decisions I made yesterday and wouldn't do anything differently. Wins and losses are sometimes very close. Donyell Malen shoots against the post in the 86th minute. Those details make the difference in football."
Ajax
Then to Ajax. After a draw and defeat, Schmidt hopes to be on the winning side this time. "I expect an open match. The previous two matches were already very close. The first half in the cup game was not good from our side. Then we didn't play the way we usually play. With aggression, pressure forward and football on the opponent's half. Sometimes you are forced back. You have to accept that and from there look for moments when you can play your own game again."