Noni Madueke is fit for the return of the last preliminary round of the Champions League between PSV and Benfica, trainer Roger Schmidt announced at the closing press conference. The nineteen-year-old attacker was hit hard by Marco Tol during the 4-1 home game against SC Cambuur last Saturday, but was able to finish the game. Schmidt said afterwards that he thought that the damage at Madueke would not be too bad and so he can indeed have the Englishman against Benfica.
“The key is to believe in ourselves, play a good game, look for goals from the first whistle and do everything we can to win this game,” Schmidt said. PSV must make up for a 2-1 defeat in Lisbon. “Playing at home gives us an advantage. The fans and the atmosphere are fantastic. Last week we played a good game, we showed that we are ready to play in the Champions League. We will have to do that again tomorrow.”
“I’m happy. Last season we worked hard to get to the preliminary round of the Champions League and from the start of the preparation the focus was on this last game. It’s right around the corner, we’re almost in the Champions League and have to give everything to make it,” Schmidt said. The PSV coach does not expect Benfica to play huge defensively in the Philips Stadium. “I think they will also go for the first goal.”
During the press conference, Schmidt was asked about Ibrahim Sangaré, who was criticized for his performance in the first leg. “He is a crucial player, a top player”, the PSV coach answers to questions about the midfielder. “He has developed in the last season and is playing a lot better tactically now. He is better in the duels, commits fewer offenses, takes fewer cards, makes good choices with the ball, gives everything for the team and is always motivated.”
Mario Götze could also count on praise from his trainer at the press conference in the run-up to the duel with Benfica. “He has changed a bit in terms of playing style. Now he shows his qualities: he is a connector and really plays for the team. He shows it in an important position. On a tactical level, he always achieves the highest level. He’s in great shape. He was also top notch last season, but now he has been through a lot of preparation and that is different from last year. He has had some minor injuries. But now he has self-confidence, he takes responsibility and shows himself to be a leader. We can now see a top player.”
Benfica has Jan Vertonghen back
Where Jan Vertonghen had to miss the first game due to a tear in his thigh, the Belgian defender does travel with Benfica to the Netherlands for the return. “He is now recovered,” it signs General Newspaper from the mouth of Benfica trainer Jorge Jesus. “He hasn’t been able to do much. But the medical department declared him fit. He was just on the training field with us. We trained tactically. The players still have to recover from last weekend.”
“We know what we have to do”, says Jesus about the upcoming meeting with PSV. “This will be a competition with major sporting and financial interests. We are playing against a very good opponent. Actually, PSV and Benfica should both play in the group stage of the Champions League. I already said that last week. A draw is enough for us, but we are going for the win.”