After the mid-week KNVB Cup win over NAC Breda, PSV make a trip to the Gelredome in Arnhem on Saturday to face Vitesse in another crucial Eredivisie game. Head coach Roger Schmidt has the luxury of selecting from almost a full-strength squad, he told the media at his weekly press briefing on Friday afternoon.
“Pleased with Tuesday’s display”
“I was very pleased with Tuesday’s display”, said Schmidt. “And we really want to see more of the same. After two narrow defeats in the league, we look forward to putting things right. It’s up to us to respond and show that we are title contenders. We would like to continue our winning streak as we have done several times before this season.”
Tough opponents
Schmidt knows what the strengths and weaknesses of Saturday’s opponent are. “We will face a tough test as Vitesse enjoy home advantage. We will have to work hard to get the three points. Vitesse may not be at their best lately but I am sure the return to action of Loïs Openda and Jacob Rasmussen will give them a massive boost. Vitesse know how to use overlap in the final third with their quality wing backs.”
Game plan
“Our game plan and tactics in this season’s reverse encounter against Vitesse in the Philips Stadion paid off. We put on a fine display and were the better team for the full 90 minutes. We created a host of chances and deservedly recorded a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Ibrahim Sangaré and Bruma. We are looking for a repeat performance. If we reach that level again on Saturday, we will undoubtedly run out winners. ”
A return to action
Roger Schmidt also issued an injury update. André Ramalho, Ryan Thomas and Maxi Romero will miss the game due to injuries but Marco van Ginkel will most likely be called up to the match squad. There was more good news from the treatment table: Ramalho has gone through an intensive rehabilitation process and may make a quicker than expected return to action. The Brazilian defender hoped to join his team mates for full training in April, but Schmidt may welcome him back before that time.