Jan Wouters is content with PSV’s UEFA Cup draw. His side was paired with Helsingborgs IF in Friday’s draw. The PSV caretaker coach said in a first reaction to the draw that PSV owe it to themselves to progress to the Round of 16. “I think Helsingborgs IF had rather not be drawn against us”, said Wouters.
Wouters was pleased to avoid the likes of
Tottenham Hotspur, Spartak Moscow or Fiorentina. “I think we start as favourites when we take on Helsingborgs. We feel we owe it to ourselves to progress to the Round of 16.” The Scandinavian outfit has had a great run in the UEFA Cup so far. They finished runners up in Group H, behind group winners Bordeaux, but ahead of Galatasaray, Panionios and Austria Wien. They finished eighth in the Swedish league last season.
Captain Timmy Simons was also content with the draw. “We stand a fair chance of reaching the next round. If we advance to the final 16, we will meet a big club.” Yet the PSV captain insists his team will not underestimate the Scandinavian opponents. We have seen Helsingborgs IF in action against sc Heerenveen. They thrashed the Frisians at home.”
Striker Danny Koevermans is looking forward to going to Sweden. “I like the idea of making a trip to Scandinavia. When I was with AZ, we were often drawn against East Eropeans clubs.” Should PSV progress beyond the last 32, they will face the winners of Slavia Prague, who beat Ajax, and
Tottenham Hotspur, with former PSV left back Young Pyo-Lee. “We will first have progress before we focus on the Round of 16 games.”
Former PSV captain Mark van Bommel’s Bayern Munich have been drawn against Aberdeen of Scotland.
