After the hard-fought victory over N.E.C., head coach Peter Bosz and Ricardo Pepi addressed the press. Bosz explained that he had adapted his formation to the opponent and called the victory justified in this always tricky away game.
PETER BOSZ
How is your heart rate doing?
"It has dropped again by now."
How do you look back on tonight?
"We played against a team that puts full pressure forward. We analyzed that beforehand and then looked at how we could best play against that. That's why we chose to play with one central defender in the beginning: Armando Obispo. He is a fast and headstrong player who did an excellent job. In the first half we had control of the game and gave little away; our plan worked well. In the second half I had to bring in an extra central defender and then you notice that you are pushed back a bit. But scoring five goals in an away game, that's a lot."
How is Obispo doing?
"He got a tap on the head and had a torn eyebrow, but I think he is doing well again now."
Were you restless along the line?
"It was a game that went up and down continuously. You make it 2-0 and a few minutes later it's 2-1. You can control a game like tonight by playing under the pressure, only we didn't offer enough football. However, we have the players for that and that's why we chose this formation. It remains a difficult away game, so I am very happy that we won. Based on the whole match, the win was justified."
Can you tell more about your choice of Obispo?
"We went full pressure from the start and actually mirrored their lineup, with one central defender and two controlling midfielders. Obispo is a great header, the fastest of the three and has an excellent left leg, which also gave us chances."
Ricardo Pepi played and scored again. How do you view him on the field?
"He's not quite there yet, but I'm so happy that we're playing with a real striker again. Then you see what that's worth. His first goal was a typical Pepi goal: the ball was perfect and he shot it hard inside. Now he is even starting to score more often with his head. I am also very happy that Myron Boadu scored immediately on his substitution."
So all in all a good win?
"It's special to see both teams playing against each other like that. What I really liked is that N.E.C. didn't give up and the crowd continued to support them. Taking three points against a team with so many qualities therefore makes me very satisfied."
RICARDO PEPI
How did tonight feel for you?
"It felt great to start again and immediately be important with two goals. I worked hard with the PSV medical staff and we continue to keep a close eye on my knee. Then to be able to make a difference again today feels incredibly good. I wanted to make this my year and then this is a fine start."
How do you look back on the match?
"The most important thing is the three points, especially in a difficult away match like this. I haven't often played games like this, but these are definitely the most enjoyable duels to play."