How long was Ismael on a pink cloud after last week?
“We played a good game, Ismael too. But after that the focus quickly went back to Fortuna. In this rhythm you play so many matches that as a footballer you know: after the euphoric moment comes immediately the next challenge. For him that was of course a wonderful experience, but after that it’s just hard work again. Ismael is in a phase where he is calmer in the end zone, and therefore his efficiency is higher. He has tremendous strength in his body and is learning to use it better and better. If he keeps working hard and keeps developing, he can really reach a very high level. Now the main thing is to stay constant, and that’s where we have to help him.”
How do you look at the contrast between the form at the beginning of the season and where you are now?
“That we needed a run-up, I think is very logical. We now have a phase where things are going well, but we also know that you can’t hold that kind of form for a whole season. Of course we want to keep it going for as long as possible, but this is football, there will also be times when things don’t go so well. Then it is important not to panic when things are not going well, but also not to panic when things are going well.”
How do you feel about Paul Wanner’s development so far?
“We are talking about a very young boy, who also comes from abroad. He has to adapt to a new country, a new league and a new way of playing, and he is doing an excellent job. He has Ismael in front of him right now, who is doing well, and that makes it maybe take a little longer with him. But that’s not a bad thing at all. The important thing is that he continues to develop, and he is doing that.”
Is Fortuna going to be a tough team for you guys tomorrow?
“You can clearly see how Fortuna wants to play under Danny Buijs, and they do that well. They rank nicely in the league table and make it difficult for many teams. If you look at their goal difference, with 14 goals for and 15 against, that says it all: they are well organized and give little away. Fortuna is doing just fine.”
What do you expect from Fortuna?
“Danny Buijs is a very recognizable trainer. He trains like he played himself: with full commitment, with passion, and with the requirement that everyone gives the maximum. I recognize that, I try to ask that of my players myself. Exactly that commitment is what I expect from Danny’s team tomorrow.”
How was training after last week’s tough week?
“Good. We looked carefully at the load on the players. A number of guys trained hard, some we gave some rest, and a few went with Young PSV to England for the Premier League International Cup. We tried to be really customized, each one got what he needed.”
For Jerdy, it’s a slightly different position than he’s used to. How do you think that goes?
“Jerdy is mainly a player who can make a difference in ball possession. From the position where he is now, he can put his qualities to good use. His passing is enormously important for our game, he can pass at the right time, with the right speed and on the right leg. With that he helps the team, but also himself, because he is visibly growing in confidence. He is really doing an excellent job.”
What do you want to offer the public tomorrow, since you don’t play at home again until November 30?
“We want to offer the public something beautiful every home game. That means: winning while entertaining the public at the same time. It should be fun to come and watch PSV.”
