Press conference | 'Three years ago most of the guys had no experience at this level'

Peter Bosz

Champions League football in Eindhoven for the third year in a row. Starting to get used to it already?
"No, that wouldn't be good. Only there is a difference: three years ago hardly anyone at us had experience at this level, and that is different now."

What do you think of the draw?
"A tough path awaits us. We play against the champions of Germany, England, Italy, Greece and Belgium. That is completed by Atlético Madrid and Newcastle United. We hope to surprise."

How do you analyze Union?
"We shouldn't underestimate them. It is not for nothing the champion of Belgium, a country that in recent years has done better on a European level than the Netherlands. They play recognizable football, three at the back and a strong striker in the point. They've been doing great with that for years, despite selling a lot this summer as well. It's extra handsome that they are at the top again."

It is the week of atypical formations.
"True. In Belgium a three-man defense is established, here it is not. But N.E.C. and Telstar happen to be doing it. And it just so happens that we are also playing Union and Leverkusen in Europe shortly after each other, both of whom are three behind."

Did you recover from Saturday night?
"I have recovered. It was a wonderful evening of football. For my part, I can talk about things that need improvement, but I'm also very appreciative of the win against a strong opponent, five goals. All in all, we did well."

Three goals against. You're getting a lot of them against this season. Can you solve that?
"As long as we keep scoring more than the opponent, I'm not worried. The goals against often come from personal mistakes; that has to come out, but it has nothing to do with our way of playing. Then I would be more worried. We have a lot of new faces, the coordination can still grow."

How did you discuss that with the group?
"I deliberately chose not to discuss the match after. We have only experienced such a match once before this season: at home against N.E.C. In view of the short run-up to Union, it is not a priority. Union is a fairly unfamiliar opponent for us; we don't play them twice every year. So the focus is there."

Jerdy Schouten

Did you have to get used to the tactics on Saturday?
"On the contrary, the tactics were less complicated than usual. We mirrored their formation and were therefore one-on-one in man coverage. Following your man is basically very simple."

Where are you now compared to last year at the start of the Champions League?
"Last year we had won everything until the start of the Champions League. Now it is different, but we have a good team, so I am confident."

Are you getting used to Champions League football?
"Not quite, the itch always remains. It is the highest level and you want to show what you are worth."

What was the best game of last year?
"That home match against Juventus was wonderful. Actually, all the home games were great. I hope it will be like that again this year."

Do you prefer nice posters or a favorable draw?
"A favorable draw, but it's wonderful to play big matches. In the end, winning is the most important thing, that's what I'm on the field for."

Joey Veerman almost left this summer. Do you still have ambitions or are you in your place here?
"I'm definitely in my place here, otherwise I wouldn't have renewed for five years. I only do that if I am also willing to play here for that period of time. And so that is the case."