PSV faces FC Groningen Sunday afternoon in the first matches of the new year. Head coach Roger Schmidt indicated during the preview that he expects a tough duel in the north of the Netherlands. 'FC Groningen is a feisty opponent. They are strong and I expect a difficult match. But we go there to win.'
Positive
The Head Coach looks back on the past few months positively. "We have a strong team. It is no coincidence that we are currently first in the Eredivisie," Schmidt believes. "We have shown that we are creative and can always score against spirited opponents. In the last games we were also better defensively. That way we gave up fewer goals. I see a clear development among the players."
Focus
PSV faces a tough schedule. The team plays matches against Ajax, AZ, Vitesse, and Maccabi Tel Aviv in the coming month. "Our focus now is on the game against FC Groningen. Our first challenge is to win that one. After that we will look further," Schmidt said
New arrival
There is a good chance that Joey Veerman will make his first minutes on Sunday. The midfielder was acquired from sc Heerenveen over a week ago and is in the matchday squad. "We are very happy that he will strengthen our team. He has a lot of potential," Schmidt believes. The coach agrees that now that Ibrahim Sangaré is in Africa for the Africa Cup, it is extra important to have a good replacement in midfield.
Injuries
Like Sangaré, Ryan Thomas, Eran Zahavi, Noni Madueke and André Ramalho are also still out Sunday. "Ramalho is out for an extended period. Fortunately, we have Jordan Teze and Armando Obispo who can replace him in the meantime. We have shown in recent months that even when key players are out, we can compensate well and win games."