Marcel Brands is not dissatisfied with PSV’s draw for the group stage of the Champions League. The general director of the Eindhoven team sees opportunities for PSV to finish in the top two in the group. The team from Eindhoven will compete against Seville, Arsenal and Lens.
“It could have been harder,” said Brands on the field of the Philips Stadium. “We could also have been in the Paris Saint-Germain group, with only ‘A teams’. I do see opportunities.”
Lost away games
Sevilla, who started the Spanish league dramatically with three defeats, managed to win the Europa League last year. The Spaniards were in pot 1 in the draw, between the strongest teams in Europe. “We know two opponents very well and have won once and lost against both clubs,” Brands referred to Sevilla and the English Arsenal.
Last season, PSV won at home against both Sevilla and Arsenal, but lost the away games.
Unique season
Lens is a relatively unknown opponent for PSV. “It is a new team in the Champions League. They had a unique season last season and finished high and ended up in the Champions League somewhat surprisingly. They finished above renowned teams such as Olympique Lyon and Olympique Marseille. We are in that respect well matched. It’s close by, so it’s easily accessible for the fans.”
Brands is clear about PSV’s ambitions. “We want to spend the winter in Europe and that is no different with this group.”
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