PSV will travel to the Galgenwaard on Saturday for their match against FC Utrecht. Peter Bosz is preparing his team for a tough and intense game and also discussed several individual players during the press conference, including Noah Fernandez.
How did you view the UEFA Champions League draw?
“It’s a great draw, with some familiar teams and some new ones.”
In a draw like this, do you think it’s more important to draw attractive matchups or to face a relatively weaker team?
“I look at opportunity, because that’s what it’s all about. Although there are no guarantees. Last year, we mainly picked up points against the teams you wouldn’t necessarily expect to beat.”
How do you view FC Utrecht?
“They’ve had a rough start, but after the rain comes sunshine. So we’re well prepared. I’m curious to see how it goes.”
Do you give your players extra preparation for the intense atmosphere at Galgenwaard?
“WhenUtrecht plays against Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV, certain forces come into play. You have to be ready for that. No matter how fierce they are, our qualities must still be the deciding factor. We have to make sure of that.”
Is everyone fit?
“Pléa isn’t here yet, but he’s back to training individually. Otherwise, everyone is here.”
So when you have a deep roster, do you have to let people down?
“The least enjoyable part of my job is telling players who train well that they won’t be playing. Even now, we have a very strong bench. But you also know that you’ll be playing twice a week soon, and that players will get injured. And then the next one has to be ready. That’s how it works.”
Why didn’t you bring Sven Mijnans on in the last game?
“I was able to make different choices because we had a comfortable lead. If we’d had to force something, he would have come on with his skills.”
Have you already seen signs of a better defense on the practice field now that Geertruida is here?
“No, that’s not how it works. Against Groningen, we held our own for most of the game. Early on, we gave up a few chances, but it got better and better. That was a big performance, and partly achieved without Geertruida. But you have to remember that with our style of play, you’re always going to give up chances. You just have to create more yourself than the opponent does—that’s how you win games.”
Does Noah Fernandez surprise you?
“No, because I already knew this. Last year, we signed him mid-season. Toward the end of the season, he played a few games, and that’s how we knew he could be a full-fledged member of the roster. He’s proven that once again.”
Couhaib Driouech made the move to Celta de Vigo this week
“Couhaib has done a great job here. Even though he never became a starter, he has been of immense value. He has developed as a player and taken a wonderful step forward.”