Roger Schmidt spoke to the press on Friday afternoon, ahead of Sunday’s trip to N.E.C. in Nijmegen. PSV’s head coach insisted that his team will go out to earn all three points and overcome the disappointment of Thursday’s 3-0 defeat against Real Sociedad. “We are still disappointed with the result in Basque Country but it is time for us to pull ourselves together. We must leave Thursday’s performance behind us and fully focus on Sunday’s Eredivisie encounter”, said Schmidt.
‘Accept defeat’
Schmidt was asked to reflect on Thursday’s defeat at Real Sociedad. “We aimed to play Europa League football after the winter break, but did not accomplish our mission. We have to accept defeat but it is hard to take. We have made too many crucial mistakes but can only learn from our mistakes.”
'We have shown before we can do it'
Schmidt knows PSV have a tough assignment on their hands. “We face a hectic schedule with only two days of rest between two away games. Yet we have shown before this season that we can perform well when we play a number of matches in a short time.” Schmidt has asked his players to turn their attention on the N.E.C. game. “They will field a strong side on Sunday and will go out to pull off a shock result.”
Injury update
Roger Schmidt provided an injury update. “Noni Madueke limped off the pitch on Thursday and it looks like it is a recurrent hamstring problem, but we will have to wait and see. Noni will be assessed after his withdrawal at Real Sociedad. Davy Pröpper is out and Sunday’s match comes too early for Maxi Romero, who has joined his team mates for training.”