PSV can call themselves group head of Pool B in the Europa League after the victory over Sturm Graz. Roger Schmidt is proud of how the team recovered after a difficult phase.
Very high level
A big win, and group head. The Head Coach couldn't wish for much more. "We are in a good situation and played well. The control was ours, we had a lot of ball possession and found the spaces," Schmidt said. "After the Sturm Graz goal there was a moment where we struggled a bit more, then we had to persevere. We were able to quickly put the game back into our hands." The coach of the Austrian opponent, Christian Ilzer, showed respect and said PSV played a first half of a very high standard.
Standouts
The match was one of many standouts, Schmidt also saw. The goal scorers were important, but Joël Drommel also showed his best side with two fine saves. He therefore receives well-deserved praise from the Head Coach: "Joël was very important. I am happy for him. Last Saturday it was not easy for him but I have always believed that he is a good goalkeeper." Yorbe Vertessen managed to distinguish himself as a substitute and put a fine goal to his name. He too gets compliments from Schmidt: "Yorbe is a very useful player with a lot of potential. The competition is big at his position but he can always help the team."
Gift
Another standout was Philipp Max. The left back signed for the 1-3 after a devastating strike. "I gave a good reaction to a difficult period," Max reflected, "I am happy that the team gave me this victory as a birthday present. In recent weeks we have had good and not so good phases. I was eager to fight back and I'm glad we can show the progress. We struggled for a while when the 1-2 fell, but we recovered and showed what we can do."