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PSV head Ronald Koeman previewed Sunday's opening game of the season against Heracles at a press briefing at De Herdgang sports centre on Friday afternoon. Koeman's team will train on Saturday on the artificial turf at De Herdgang, before the players' bus leaves for Almelo, where PSV will spend the night. “I think we are ready for the new campaign.”
Koeman told the media representatives that Manuel da Costa is doubtful as the Portuguese defender picked up an ankle injury during last Tuesday night's friendly against amateurs UNA. Jefferson Farfn may be available for PSV's first home game of the new season against N.E.C., provided he will come through training next week unscathed. The good news is that Kenneth Perez will resume full training with the squad next Monday. “Things are looking bright for Perez”, explained Koeman at the press briefing. ”Arouna Kon has recovered well, but he is not match fit yet and will not be able to play the full 90 minutes.”
Ronald Koeman will give new signing Cssio Ramos ample opportunity to adapt to the new circumstances. “He will be given time to develop himself”, said Koeman, who did not rule out the possibility that Ramos would feature as standby goalkeeper during certain games. Gomes will play an important part as tutor for his young fellow countryman. “He is the counsellor for all new Brazilian signings and gives them valuable advices. I don't think a goalkeeper should wear the captain's armband, but otherwise he would be one of the main candidates to captain the team.”. Koeman revealed that he is happy with the part vice-captain Carlos Salcido plays. “He meets expectations and does what is expected of him. He feels quite at home here.”
Sunday afternoon at 14:30 PSV kick off the new campaign against Heracles Almelo, who play their home games on an artificial turf for the third season in a row. “We are looking forward to getting the new season underway. It will be interesting to see how the new players and the team develop. We should not focus too much on playing a game on artificial turf, although I am happy we played a friendly on an artificial pitch last Tuesday. We will train one more time tomorrow. I think we are ready for the challenge.”