After a midweek European game. PSV played another away fixture, against Sparta Rotterdam, on an artificial turf pitch. So PSV saw it as a challenge to deal with the tough conditions and head coach Roger Schmidt was happy with the three points.
Crucial away win
“Playing three away games in the space of just six days is a tall task, And the conditions were tough. All the long journeys and matches played on an artificial turf pitch are taking their toll on some players”, said Schmidt, speaking to the media after the game. “And things didn’t get any easier when we were a goal down. We were looking for a win on this pitch and we tried to avoid sustaining injuries and it looks like it’s been a mission accomplished.”
No half-time team talk
Schmidt played down criticism that his team had put in a poor display. “It is hard to produce sparkling performance on such a dry pitch. I did not have to do a half-time team talk to inspire the players. They knew what they had to do and executed the game plan very well indeed.”
Focus on Wednesday
PSV’s German head coach singled out Mauro Júnior for praise. The Brazilian played at right back again in Rotterdam. “He did well as left back as well and we have all been able to see that his finishing was perfect!”, said Schmidt, who was already looking forward to Wednesday’s KNVB Cup semi-final tie at Go Ahead Eagles. “We are happy with the three points but will now turn our attention to Wednesday’s clash.”