With the first match of the year behind them, PSV is already facing its next challenge. The team will battle Telstar on Thursday for a place in the quarterfinals of the KNVB Cup. 'We are extremely motivated to perform in this tournament,' head coach Roger Schmidt said during the preview. 'We want to win the cup.
Challenge
Schmidt and PSV have little time to sit still. After Sunday, matches of great importance await Thursday and next Sunday again. "We are very happy with the result against FC Groningen. These have been intensive weeks with many tough matches in a row," the coach agreed. "Moreover, everyone knows that not all players are completely top fit. For them it is a challenge to recover between matches. An advantage is that they can use the matches to improve the physical condition."
Motivated
"We are very motivated to do well in the cup," Schmidt continued. "Therefore, I have no doubt that we will be there on Thursday." There is no question of underestimation, according to Schmidt. "We must not underestimate clubs from the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. They have nothing to lose and will do everything they can to stay in the game as long as possible. We have to find answers to that. Focus will be a key concept."
Selection
Ryan Thomas, Carlos Vinícius, Noni Madueke and André Ramalho are and not there Thursdayavong due to injuries. As is, of course, Ibrahim Sangaré. It is still unclear whether striker Eran Zahavi will join. Maximiliano Romero replaced him in the striker position on Sunday. "I see a lot of potential in him," Schmidt said. "He likes to work hard and also shows he can do that. We are very happy that he is fit again now."