In the press conference after the Light City derby, Peter Bosz, Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi slide in to answer questions from the assembled newsroom. Everyone was obviously in high spirits and certainly Saibari had good reason to be.
Peter Bosz is positive about the match and the team process after the 3-1 victory over city rival FC Eindhoven: "We built it up calmly. It was the first time the boys played ninety minutes. We just came back from eleven days of training camp and I am happy with what I see. Learning the style of play is going fast and that makes me happy heading into the official season opener."
Kwaaitaal as right back
What stood out during the Lichtstadderby and the practice match against FC Augsburg is that Julian Kwaaitaal was drafted as a right back. The 18-year-old Academy player is "naturally" an outside player, so that raised questions. "He owes it to his trainers who told me he also has the qualities of a wing defender. I think he is growing very quickly in his new role," Bosz said.
Ismael's pink cloud
Due to the Africa Cup at Nations U23, Ismael Saibari did not join until after training camp. Nevertheless, he immediately got into action for 45 minutes. "It was great to take the title in my own country. I was on a pink cloud for a while, I admit. But I am now focusing again on the new season. Ideally I would have joined earlier, but the coach felt it was important for me to get my rest."
Pepi breeds confidence
Ricardo Pepi also chimed in. The American striker already scored his second practice goal for PSV, which gives him confidence for the rest of the season: "The new football year is already around the corner, so you have to be sharp already and take advantage of all your chances. I'm happy that I've already made two now."
