PSV Women are traveling to Denmark this week for the second leg against Fortuna Hjørring in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup. Kasper Kurland’s team is defending a 1–0 lead. According to Lore Jacobs, the most important thing is for PSV to continue playing their own game.
As a team, PSV has now gotten back on track. Following the victory over De Graafschap, the team is approaching the return leg with confidence. That feeling is especially nice for Lore after the period during which she had to watch from the sidelines. “When you’re injured, it’s hard to watch your team lose. But we’re back in a better groove now. We’re playing better again and we’re winning again. I’m glad I’m fit again and can play once more. That’s what matters most.”
Different Position
In the past two matches, Lore wasn’t in midfield but played as a forward. She previously filled that same role at RSC Anderlecht. “Playing as a striker is different from playing in midfield, of course, but I actually enjoy it. You can attack different areas of the field. One of my strengths is holding onto the ball, so I can really showcase that in that role.” Moreover, playing as a striker gives Lore a lot of freedom to move. “I’m allowed to get on the ball, I’m allowed to spread wide, and I’m allowed to make runs behind the defense. I just have to make sure the big picture adds up—that the structure stays in place.”
Last week, PSV played the first match of their two-leg series against Fortuna Hjørring. The fact that this resulted in a victory gives the team confidence heading into the second match. “I think that if we show our strengths on the ball, we’ll be the better team. We have to take their intensity and their style of tackling into account. We know how good they are, but we also know how good we are.”
Belgian international
After the European match, Lore also has an exciting period ahead with the Belgian national football team. The forward has once again been called up to her country’s national team. “Playing for your national team is one of the best things, so I’m very proud to be able to do that again.”
For now, however, the focus is entirely on the return leg in Hjørring. PSV will play there on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. to qualify for the next round of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.