The winter break is over and the first game is just around the corner. The team of head coach Peter Bosz did not go to training camp, but finished the winter preparation at PSV Campus De Herdgang. And according to the coach, that certainly has its advantages.
What was it like doing the winter preparation in the Netherlands?
"That went well. We didn't play practice matches, but mutual games. Because I was the referee - faultless, of course - the net playing time goes up. From me, the players have to do everything in runs, take free kicks quickly and are not allowed to cheer after a goal. That speeds up the game tremendously."
How is fitness?
"Sergiño Dest participated in part of group training yesterday for the first time. Adamo Nagalo is also training with the group again, but we are still keeping him out of the duels. Couhaib Driouech is the only player who is not yet training with the rest, but he is also going in the right direction."
And with the other players?
"Freshness and fitness are most important to me. The boys have only had 12 days off, but that has made them fit again. They had a training schedule with us, but it wasn't as tough as they are used to here. That did bring back the freshness and sharpness."
Against AZ, will we see the best midfield in your eyes?
"The best midfield can be classified in different ways, and we will definitely do that in the coming time. I make the choice based on what I think we need in that match. We are going to play a lot of matches, so every midfielder is going to play a lot. Actually that goes for everyone, we need everyone."
Did you go into the holidays feeling better yourself after that win over Feyenoord?
"Definitely. It was a very good game, especially the first half. That always gives a good feeling."
What kind of role does Ivan Perišić have in the locker room?
"Ivan I already knew as a footballer, but not as a person. By now that has changed and I can't help but be positive about him. He started later, but he made up for that very quickly. The young players learn a lot from him. He is also incredibly important in that. Sometimes he talks to them individually, not pedantic, but really sincere to help."
What are the first impressions of Esmir Bajraktarevic?
"Esmir is training with us for the first time today, so I'm finally going to see what kind of football player he is. He is a quiet and introverted person, but I think he can play football incredibly well. Tomorrow, however, he won't be with the selection yet, because he only trained once, which is a little too early."
