PSV host AZ in their final league match in 2018 and Mark van Bommel faced the media on Friday afternoon to preview the game. PSV will be crowned winter champions if they succeed in recording a victory over AZ on Saturday. “Becoming winter champions is not on my mind”, admitted PSV’s head coach. “All we want is a win against AZ”. Ryan Thomas is looking to overcome a lengthy injury layoff.
The Eredivisie has reached the halfway point but Van Bommel does not like to look back yet. “We did well in the Champions League and took the lead four times against formidable opponents. We have shown that we can go toe-to-toe with the top European teams.”
Own development
Van Bommel continued to assess his own development as head coach of PSV. “I always do my best to prepare everything as well as possible. But you will always have to cope with situations that you did not expect. After tomorrow’s game, the winter break sets in and we will have a well-deserved rest and an opportunity to recharge, but actually I would have preferred to carry on. As a player, I felt at my best when I was on the pitch.”
AZ
AZ finished last season in third place and are currently sitting in fifth spot in the Dutch Eredivisie. “We realise it will be a very tough game. AZ are one of the best teams in the country.” Pablo Rosario received a fifth booking of the season in PSV’s 4-0 win at Heracles Almelo last week and misses the clash against AZ on Saturday through suspension. Van Bommel: “I am keen to keep my options and will first reveal the line-up to the players. Daniel Schwaab is match fit and looks set to start. “