PSV took a big step toward its 27th national title on Saturday. It took a fairly spectacular victory over FC Utrecht to do so, a game in which Ismael Saibari was the big standout. Head coach Peter Bosz praised his pupil afterwards.
Ismael Saibari
How do you analyze the match?
"It was a special match. We didn't start well, but we showed resilience after that. The most important thing is that we won. Three more points and on course for the title."
You visibly had some more frustrations in recent weeks, but not today. Is that something you were consciously working on?
"I've noticed that when I get angry, I'm not in my game. So I've left it to my feet now."
What did you think of the reactions after your two defeats?
"It was up to us to stand up and prove them wrong. We did that today."
Why do you get so many goals against after the winter break?
"We are very high up the pitch, then that happens sooner. As long as we counter more."
Do you understand that it is difficult for us to appoint a player of the season at PSV?
"I understand that, because we have done very well as a group. We really do it together."
What are you going to do tomorrow?
"We are going to watch the Feyenoord game with a group together. Peter can come too though, but I think he'd rather go see his grandchildren, haha."
Peter Bosz
How did you think you played?
"A lot went wrong, but a lot also went right. We came behind, then I said on the bench that we didn't play badly. The opponent lurked on the counter, we expected that. Then the rest of the defense has to be good and that wasn't the case. On the other hand, there were some great attacks from us."
Is it already starting to get used to the fact that you are almost champions again?
"It would be very strange if I get used to that. No, you never get used to that."
How is Jerdy Schouten doing?
"They fear the worst. The doctors, but Jerdy himself also said it didn't feel good. That's why I'm not very euphoric right now, because this is really a bummer."
What was up with Armando Obispo?
"He had some pain in his calf after the warm-up. He might have wanted to start, but I didn't want to take that risk. After all, he's one-on-one with their striker, then you have to be fit. Luckily we had Yarek behind us, he did a great job."
Saibari was very good today, wasn't he?
"Certainly, he combines power with technique and also has insight. Then you are a pretty complete player. I sometimes see that players who are just coming in get a price tag of sixty million. If they are sixty million, Ismael is much more. I won't let him go for that, mind you."
Did you lose him for good today?
"I don't think clubs that put down these amounts of money look at one match. They will include him in the assessment. When I came here he was still often on the bench. By now he is the player to stand up in games like this and he does."
What are you going to do tomorrow?
"I am going to see my grandchildren, they are all in a PSV shirt if all goes well."