Peter Bosz looked ahead to the big match between PSV and Feyenoord during Friday’s press conference. The head coach discussed the rivalry between the two teams, lineup decisions, and his feelings following the away game against FC Porto.
How is the team shaping up heading into Sunday?
“We’ve already had one training session this morning. Even players who won’t be there on Sunday, like Pepi, are close to being ready. In any case, we have no new injuries. I can’t say exactly yet who will or won’t be available, because we’re training one more time. We also still have the option of giving some players playing time in the Premier League International Cup next week.”
Sam Lammers has been training with PSV U21. Is that a deliberate step in his recovery?
“During recovery, it’s important to start training with a group again. We were in Porto, of course, so that worked out easily.”
You’re missing Sven Mijnans. How are you going to fill that spot?
“We have plenty of players who can fill that role. I already know who it will be, but I’m not going to say that here, of course.”
Do you guys go into the match with a different mindset after the victory over FC Porto?
“We’ve always had confidence. You just have to prove it every week. When we faced Feyenoord last year, we were further behind in points than we are now. In football, people’s perspectives on such a match are always very opportunistic. The season is still long.”
Feyenoord had a disappointing week in Europe, while other Dutch clubs posted good results. Will that have an impact on Sunday?
“They won’t let it completely dictate their mood. It does affect you, but the quality of play also matters. In the league, at any rate, they’re doing very well.”
Since Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s arrival, things have changed a bit at Feyenoord. Do you see the difference?
“I always see the influence of a coach, because he’s the one who calls the shots. You see that with Gio, too.”
Armando Obispo didn’t start against FC Porto. Was there a specific reason for that?
“The risk was too great, because the match was so soon after the ADO game. And with Yarek, we have a very good alternative.”
Do you feel that Yarek Gasiorowski has gotten through his difficult period?
“He was 21 when he came here from Spain. He didn’t speak English. It’s hard to imagine what that’s like. It’s impressive in itself that he performed so well in that first half of the season. A dip in form is to be expected with young players. We weren’t worried.”
Is Van Bommel fit for Sunday?
“I don’t know yet. We’ll see. We still have two training sessions, so I can’t say exactly right now who will or won’t be there.”
How do players experience traveling and being away from home so often during European matches?
“In the Netherlands, it’s not so bad, because when you play an away game, you sleep in your own bed. Abroad, you usually stay in a hotel. And if you’re playing in European competitions, you’re away from home for six days. That’s always been the hardest part for me. What we’re going through here really isn’t so bad. We’re a small country.”