PSV vs. Girona (5 Nov 2024) Pregame

Nov 4 (Reuters) – Girona have much to gain and little to lose when they visit PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Tuesday, coach Michel has said, adding that they need a solid performance to overcome Europe’s top team.

Despite claiming a first European triumph over Slovan Bratislava last month, Girona are still struggling to find their best form and are dealing with a host of players sidelined by injury.

After a LaLiga win over Leganes on Saturday, Michel said his players may not be full of energy but have the mentality to look for points at the Philips Stadium ahead of more challenging games, including against Liverpool, AC Milan and Arsenal.

“We have a lot to win and a little to lose. We play against a historic team with European titles. We don’t come with all the energy I want, but we come with a mentality,” said Michel at a press conference on Monday.

“We need the points and of course every game is important. I don’t know how high the bar will be to get into the top (places), but we are on a privileged stage and we will compete.”

Girona occupy the 24th and final playoff spot in the 36-team Champions League table with three points from three games above PSV, who are in 28th place with two points.

Michel added that his players will have to dig deep and give maximum intensity as the Eredivisie champions, who are yet to win the Champions League this season, last lost at home in 2022.

“We have to try to be the ones who dominate and have the ball. We have to try to make them look towards their goal, if we give them control it will be very difficult for us to keep up the tempo and keep them away. ” said the Spaniard.

“PSV have been virtually unbeaten at home two years in a row. They are a fantastic team with enormous pressure and pace. We know how difficult it will be and if we want to get something out of them we have to match their intensity. (Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris)