Just one more two-legged series separates PSV Women from the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. On Wednesday evening, Kasper Kurland’s team will face Denmark’s HB Køge at home. The day before the match, head coach Kasper Kurland and captain Janice Cayman joined the press conference.
“Pressure is a privilege,” Cayman begins when asked if she’s already feeling the pressure ahead of the crucial two-leg series. The 37-year-old captain has already won the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice in her career. “We’re very happy to be in this position. Ultimately, this is what you play for—it’s do or die. But we know what we’re capable of.”
Goals
Then the conversation turns to goal-scoring, which has stalled somewhat in the past two league matches. Still, the 172-time Belgian international isn’t worried about it. “We have enough players who can score. It’s true that things didn’t go well this weekend, but no two games are the same. We’ve proven for a long time that we can do it.”
And where will Cayman herself be playing on Wednesday night? In the back line, in midfield, or maybe even up front? “You’ll have to ask the coach,” she laughs. “But I’ve played every position before. That’s true.”
Kurland, too, is keeping his cards close to his chest. “There are no new injuries, just one player who’s questionable. But as for who’s going to play and where they’ll play—you’ll just have to wait and see tomorrow.”
Background Knowledge
On Wednesday, Kurland will face a team that, as a Dane, he naturally knows relatively well. “I have a bit more background knowledge than I do for league matches; that’s true. But you still have to analyze them just as thoroughly. They actually have three different styles of play, and we’re prepared for all three.”
With Cayman, Kurland has a highly experienced player, but Shanice van de Sanden also knows the tournament like no other. The speedy winger has won the UEFA Women’s Champions League four times herself. “It’s great that we have a lot of experience in the squad. Janice and Shanice are both part of a very strong group of captains. But we also have young players with plenty of talent who can learn from that experience. We really have a strong squad and a good locker room atmosphere.”
Kurland is hoping for a spectacular evening on Wednesday. “I expect a high-intensity match, in which we’ll fight our way to a strong starting position for the second leg in a beautiful stadium, hopefully with plenty of support.”
