PSV has a chance to make it to the group stage of the Champions League, but according to trainer Roger Schmidt, everyone in the battle with Benfica must reach their top level. The people of Eindhoven, who have so far this season booked six wins in six games in all competitions, will play the first game with Benfica in Lisbon on Wednesday. “Our players are well attuned to each other. We always try to keep our opponent far away from our target. But tomorrow we also have to be top attacking, not just in defence.”
“Benfica is a strong team,” Schmidt said at the press conference about last season’s number three. “They have a lot of individual qualities in their team. But this is an important game for us and that’s how we play. We know Benfica has a good squad and we respect them. I think they think the same about us.” Jan Vertonghen normally has a basic place at Benfica, but he misses the two games against PSV due to a muscle injury.
“There is a lot at stake,” said captain Marco van Ginkel in turn, referring to the prize money of more than thirty million euros that PSV receives when they qualify for the main tournament of the Champions League. “This is not just the case for the players. “But for the whole club. From the start of the season we have a very good feeling in the team. We started well and won everything. It was a difficult road to get here with Galatasaray and FC Midtjylland. Now wait the final over two games and everyone is excited about it.”
Schmidt refused to speak about a test for PSV. “It is a very important game for us, we want to reach the Champions League. We are ready. We have invested a lot in preparation to be at our best here.” PSV last reached the group stage of the Champions League in 2019. As national champion, Ajax has already qualified for the main tournament.
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