PSV have dropped eight points, after being held to four draws in their six matches after the winter break. “The results haven’t gone our way, which is disappointing”, admitted Mark van Bommel, speaking to the press after the 1-1 draw against PSV in the Philips Stadion. PSV’s head coach added that his side could not be accused of a lack of fighting spirit.
‘Failed to get a grip of the game’
PSV had been the better team in their previous games but were pegged back in their own half in the first 45 minutes by Feyenoord. “We failed to get a grip of the game and could not win the second ball. We were made to work very hard and it looked like we lacked sharpness but I don’t think that is true. We battled again until the final whistle and had chances in the closing stages to wrap up the three points but Vermeer pulled off some fine saves to deny Steven Bergwijn, among other players.” PSV’s lead at the top of the table over rivals Ajax has been cut to two points. “But let’s take a look at the bright side. We are still on top of the league, two points above Ajax, but, again, I must admit we are not happy with our recent string of results.”
‘Don’t blame my team mates’
PSV captain Luuk de Jong did not blame his team mates for his side’s 1-1 Eredivisie draw at home to ten-man Feyenoord. “We wanted to press high up the pitch, but Feyenoord comfortably withstood the pressure. They controlled the game with a packed midfield and we often had to run 50 yards and didn’t manage to win duels. Then we leaned back and tried to strike on the counter.”
‘Should have kept a clean sheet’
PSV were never controlled proceedings completely and Nicolai Jörgensen even opened the scoring for the visitors after Sven van Beek had been sent off. “We should have kept a clean sheet against ten men”, thought De Jong. “Fortunately we scored an equaliser in the next minute. All in all, I think a 1-1 draw is a fair reflection of the game. I hope we will be able to maintain our lead over Ajax