In this all-important week, Sisca Folkertma stays focused, something she says is very important. At the same time, she knows how unpredictable football can be. "Just look at the men from PSV; that gives us extra confidence for tomorrow."
How do you look back on the cup final?
"I think we started the game strong, but Gwyneth's injury forced us to put players in different positions. That changed the overall game and the dynamics. We were searching after that and just came up short in the end."
Does that affect the preparation for the game with Feyenoord?
"We are going full steam ahead with the players we have at our disposal. If we support each other well as a team, we have enough qualities to still put up a rock-solid match."
Tomorrow is do-or-die. How is the team feeling about the match?
“Enormously. If you saw the guys play on Wednesday, you’d realize that anything is possible in football, and that gives us extra motivation heading into tomorrow. That’s our mindset: we’ll give it our all and see where we end up at the end of the day. Of course, we’re dependent on what happens on the other field, but our focus is on ourselves. I still believe in it.”
'It's going to be a tough battle'
And how much are you concerned with the goal difference?
"It depends a lot on how the match goes. You have to stay focused on the basic agreements, if you execute them well and keep believing in them, those goals will come naturally. With that attitude, we are flying into the match as well."
You’re playing at the Philips Stadium again. How does that feel?
“That makes it extra special and gives us even more motivation. Especially with the people who support you, it just makes you even more eager to play there. As a football player, you really look forward to it—it’s always a dream come true.”
What kind of duel do you expect with Feyenoord?
"I know Feyenoord well; they always give everything and fight for every victory. So I expect a tough game from both sides, so we have to go with that. It will be a hard battle, we have experienced that the past few times, but that is precisely what makes it beautiful."
What approach does that require?
"From the first minute we have to put pressure forward, because that is crucial to create chances. Our approach as a team is clear: full steam ahead, all or nothing."
The league match between PSV and Feyenoord starts at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 3.