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PSV coach Ronald Koeman thought PSV had played positively against Liverpool on Wednesday night. “We had obviously hoped to get a better result, but the referee also played a crucial part by harshly sending off Marcellis. We created precious few chances, but did not concede much, either”, he said at the post-match press conference.
“Liverpool kept many players behind the ball and were well-organised. It was hard to find an opening in their compact defence. But I don’t think Liverpool have created much danger”, said Koeman. “Looking back, the campaign has been positive. We have performed better in the Champions League than many football pundits had predicted. Of course things would have been more exciting here tonight, if we had achieved a good result in the first leg in Eindhoven, but that that wasn't to be. All in all, I am content. We have collected a great many points, so we have done Dutch football a favour.” PSV’s coach claimed that his side’s confidence is growing. “We lost 1-0, but a draw would have been feasible. We take the positives from this game. We did not defend badly at all and will carry on like this in the domestic league, with confidence growing.”
Koeman praised debutant Dirk Marcellis’ performance. “He kept his composure, once he was in possession of the ball. But his debut ended in nightmare. I really don’t know what can have possessed the referee to act so strangely. It was the fairest of games and the result had been well beyond doubt for a long time. No contact was made and I think the challenge warranted most likely yellow at worst. Marcellis made a fine debut for PSV, in a European game.”
Koeman said that PSV have no fresh injury worries ahead of Saturday’s crucial game with FC Twente. “Afellay, Mendez and Kromkamp will return from injuries. I hope we have an almost fully-fit squad to pick from, although Alex and Reiziger are still not available.”
