This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl
Immediately after it had been announced that PSV had been drawn with AS Monaco, PSV manager Guus Hiddink told PSV Media that 'any draw is tough, including a draw against Monaco'. The general opinion among the players is that the team should not grumble having been paired with this opponent.'While watching the draw live, Johann Vogel announced a few times that he hoped to avoid AC Milan, a side he estimates as very tough indeed. Two more teams were in the pot, among whom AC Milan, but eventually PSV were paired with Monaco. They are old acquaintances, because the French side travelled to the Eindhoven Philips Stadium last season."This is the best team we could draw. Personally I think Olympique Lyon and Bayer Leverkusen are stronger sides than Monaco. And fortunately we have avoided AC Milan; they have taken the right team out of the pot", said Vogel at the training ground De Herdgang.Guus Hiddink repeated a proposition he had expressed before. "Now that we have reached the final sixteen, any draw is tough. That holds good for the Monaco draw as well. But we are bound to have two interesting games."PSV drew 1-1 at Monaco last season and slipped to a 1-2 defeat at home.Wilfred Bouma was not dissatisfied, either. "If I could have selected an opponent, I would have opted for Monaco or Leverkusen. Ive seen Monaco on TV and Im sure were in for two tough games. But to be honest, Id rather meet them than, say, Chelsea or one of the Italian clubs. This is a favourable draw. Well undoubtedly see much of them the next few weeks and well certainly going to analyze their way of playing football and their performances", told Bouma PSV Media in the players lounge.