This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl
PSV begin their Champions League group stage campaign on Wednesday night, as they welcome Russian side CSKA Moscow to the Philips Stadium. After the final training session ahead of the Champions League group stage fixture PSV-CSKA Moscow, PSV head coach Ronald Koeman and captain Timmy Simons attended the customary pre-match press-conference and took a look ahead at tomorrow night's game that gets underway at the Philips Stadium at 20:45.
Koeman obviously realizes the importance of pulling off a result in the group stage opening fixture. “We play at home, so we need to take all three points. We will have to be better balanced than in the domestic league. We do not often meet teams that play five defenders. We lack the experience, but we boast a great record and have more attacking options. And we have not conceded a goal yet this season”, said Koeman in the pressroom at the Philips Stadium.
Koeman emphasized that CSKA's style of football may be unfamiliar to his players. “They field five defenders and have two strikers up front that can make the difference. We will not underestimate them, but you never know in the world of football. There are no certainties. But my gut feeling is we will do well. We have several quality players in our squad and we have considerably strengthened our attacking options.'
Jefferson Farfn, who has shaken off an ankle problem, will face a late fitness test tomorrow. Koeman explained: “He may be handed a start. I had hoped he would get through the Vitesse game unscathed, but I saw him limp at training this morning. So I'd better ask him how he feels.”
Timmy Simons also previewed the match. The PSV captain admitted he could not assess the strength of their opponents very well. “I wonder if we will be the dominant side. Our ambition remains unchanged: we want to reach the next round. We play at home, so we are expected to take all three points. We will always feel the pressure, but we are anxious to win in Eindhoven.” 30, 000 tickets have been sold and 350 fans from Russia will make the trip to Eindhoven.
