PSV go into the final stages of the season. After three months with games coming thick and fast, there are ten league games left, with PSV looking to secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. “Our last three games proved that in football you don’t always get what you deserve”, said Roger Schmidt.
Getting better
PSV are gradually getting better, in spite of some inconsistent results, thinks PSV’s German head coach. “The players know what is demanded of them for the style of play we envisage. We played a great many games recently and put in some fine displays. I think we didn’t always get what we deserved, but we can’t just blame bad luck. In our games against Olympiacos FC, ADO Den Haag and Ajax we had plenty of opportunities to seal the three points, but didn't take our chances”, said head coach Roger Schmidt at his weekly-press briefing, ahead of Sunday’s Eredivisie game at Fortuna Sittard.
A lack of experience
Schmidt blames his side’s lack of experience for not winning the last three games. “An experienced team knows how to kill off the game. And we have conceded some sloppy goals and failed to convert our dominance into goals.”
'Raise our game'
Malen was unlucky to only hit the post in the 86th minute of the Olympiacos FC game and PSV did not qualify for the UEFA Europa League round of 16. “We were obviously disappointed we were punished at the death on a number of occasions, but I’m happy to see the fighting spirit shown by my players in the next game. The results do not always go our way although we perform well. We must raise our game and learn how to kill off a game when opportunity knocks.”
Tactical details
The PSV were given a two-day holiday at the beginning of the week to recover from the physical exertions. The coaching staff paid attention to tactical details the past few days and as from Friday the focus is on Sunday’s game against Fortuna Sittard. Pablo Rosario, who sustained a minor injury in the Ajax game, is doubtful, but Schmidt added that Olivier Boscagli may start in midfield. The Frenchman had made an impressive performance against Olympiacos FC and Ajax, when he replaced Ibrahim Sangaré, who was suspended.
Boscagli
“Olivier had a great impact on these games”, continued Schmidt. “He defends well, is good in the build-up and his passing is accurate. He is a versatile player who can play in defence and in midfield. I haven’t made a decision for Sunday’s line-up yet. We will see.”
Ihattaren
Schmidt was also asked once again to comment on the Mohamed Ihattaren saga. “I’ve already told you a number of times this week why he was not called up to the match squad to face Ajax. He showed a lack of discipline, motivation and team spirit around the Olympiacos FC game. But he has joined his team mates for training all week and things have gone well. I have a 27-man squad and only eleven players can start and Mohamed Ihattaren must show he is better than other players vying for a starting place. Mario Götze and Ryan Thomas are in form and Noni Madueke and Cody Gakpo will return to the squad shortly. Mo is a young talent and he has to show it on the pitch”, said Schmidt, who confirmed that Mauro Junior is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.