It was anything but an easy evening in Sittard, head coach Peter Bosz and captain Jerdy Schouten emphasized at the press conference afterwards. Nevertheless, PSV managed to take the three points thanks to perseverance and focus. "We should be proud of that."
PETER BOSZ
How do you look back on tonight?
"After about sixty minutes, things became less easy for the opponent and more spaces opened up. In the closing stages we still created several chances with Dennis [Man], Paul [Wanner] and Ivan [Perišić]. Those were good moments, although you have to remember that Fortuna Sittard also has enough qualities. It was not an easy game, but I think we played a good game."
The duel with Newcastle United is coming up. Were you watching that before this match as well?
"What I find so clever about this group is how focused they remain. You can already see that in the warm-up and how they start the game. These are the games you have to win to eventually become champions. We have just finished the game with FC Den Bosch, rested briefly and are almost going to England again. I think it's clever."
How do you view tonight's game?
"Since Luuk no longer plays with us, we have been looking for new ways to score goals. The first goal was a beautiful attack: long possession, play between the lines, pull back and then a tight low pass. Those small, agile players master that perfectly and with Esmir, for example, we have another such type of player in the team."
Did you have a flashback to the game with Excelsior Rotterdam at Paul Wanner's goal?
"Yes, I immediately thought of that. It's a pattern we often practice on the training pitch. We always try to get into certain zones to give the decisive ball and now it fell perfectly into place."
Its competitors are losing a lot of points. How do you view that?
"It shows how clever it is what our boys show time and again. That winner's mentality is really in this group and I find that impressive."
With what kind of feeling will you go to England on Wednesday?
"With a good feeling, but we also know it has to happen. We have to get at least one point. But we always go into duels to win, so that also applies to this match. That will be another completely different challenge than today."
JERDY SCHOUTEN
How do you look back on the game?
"Fortuna Sittard was in a low block, let us have the ball and were organizationally good. Sometimes we were a bit impatient in finding the right moments. Still, it is great that we win this difficult match and get the win over the line."
The goals didn't fall easily today, did they?
"We knew it was going to be tough tonight and had all the focus on this game. You know how Fortuna Sittard plays and when that 1-0 from us falls, it's nice. That 1-1 from them was a fantastic shot, but if it didn't fall, it became a completely different game. That didn't help us."
In the match, you moved from defense to midfield. What was that like?
"I'm getting used to that, but during the game it's always a bit of a switch. Nevertheless, I have been playing at six all my life, so of course I know what is asked."
A lot of character was required today, right?
"You saw everyone fight today. It was a difficult match because of the conditions and the opponent's play, but all the team gave everything. Because of that you win here and we can be proud of that."
How are you looking ahead to next Wednesday's UEFA Champions League match?
"We are in a good flow and going into it with confidence."