PSV head coach Roger Schmidt spoke to the press and PSV TV on Friday afternoon, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Vitesse in the Philips Stadion, a match played behind closed doors.
“We believe in ourselves”
“Vitesse will give us a difficult game. They are currently in fifth place after twelve games. They have a clear style of play with five defenders and two strikers up front. It will be a tough encounter and we will have to adapt to our opponents but we believe in ourselves. Our main objective is to win the next game”, said Schmidt.
Injury update
Schmidt provided an injury update during the weekly press briefing. Five players were absent from training on Friday morning. "Eran Zahavi needs surgery and may face up to three months on the sidelines. Cody Gakpo, Jordan Teze and Noni Madueke have not returned to full training with the squad yet and Ryan Thomas will not be available until the winter break. Philipp Max is ruled out for Saturday’s game after he tested positive for COVID-19”, confirmed Schmidt. “Richard Ledezma is back in training and the internationals Ritsu Doan, Ibrahim Sangaré and Joel Drommel have returned from the international break unscathed. Yorbe Vertessen, Davy Pröpper and Armando Obispo joined their team mates for training this morning.”
A bright note
“We have our share of injury concerns”, admitted Schmidt, who concluded the press conference on a bright note. “We hope to welcome back Cody Gakpo and Jordan Teze before the winter break and we are happy to have Ibrahim Sangaré back in the squad after the international break with Ivory Coast. The other players used the break to train well and rest. We look forward to Saturday’s game!”