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Assistant coach Dwight Lodeweges conducted the pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon in the absence of head coach Sef Vergoossen who is still absent due to an illness. PSV have no selection worries ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Cup Round of 32 first leg with Helsingborgs IF. Lodeweges said: 'We will treat Helsingborgs IF with respect, but trust in our own strength' and added: 'It is very important not to concede a goal at home.'
Lodeweges announced he hoped Vergoossen would be back to take charge on Wednesday. PSV will trust in their own strength, but take into account that the match is played over two legs. 'We do not fancy conceding a goal, so we cannot surge forward in large numbers. Helsingborgs IF are a very good side and we face a stern test. We have our reputation to defend and are anxious to reach the next round', said Lodeweges, who realises that the current coaching staff will only be in charge until the summer. 'We took a flying start. We had been here for only five days when we made the trip to the Rotterdam Kuip to face Feyenoord. We face a hectic schedule and there is hardly any left to prepare all the matches. We should not provide the players with too much tactical instruction within in limited period of time. The atmosphere here is terrific and we love life at the Philips Stadium. We have not slipped to defeat yet, since we took charge. We have extended our lead at the Eredivisie summit to nine points and the players are looking forward to showing their skills on the European stage.'
Lodeweges was in La Manga in Spain recently to scout Helsingborgs IF. Their key player is experienced veteran Henrik Larsson. 'To put it in three words: He is awesome. He is such a clever player, moving all over the pitch', said Lodeweges who expects both sides to be cautious tomorrow night during the opening stages. 'We will be well-organised and take our chances as they come. We will not concede as many chances as we did against sc Heerenveen on Sunday. It is of vital importance not to concede a goal at home.'
Captain Timmy Simons admitted there is a difference in preparing for a Champions League game and a UEFA Cup tie. 'But there is huge media interest in this game as well. We will try and get as far as possible in this year's UEFA Cup campaign. We well have to work hard, but relish the challenge.'
21,500 fans will head to the Philips Stadium on Wednesday night, among whom some 300 travelling fans from Sweden.
