Step by step for Sammer

The future for PSV Eindhoven in this season’s UEFA Champions League looks bleak after their second home defeat of the campaign. German champions BV Borussia Dortmund emerged triumphant from the clash at the Philips stadium, a 3-1 win giving them a clear route to the second group stage and leaving PSV and AJ Auxerre staring at elimination.

Sammer sounds note of caution
Dortmund coach Matthias Sammer was understandably delighted that his side had recorded their first win against a Dutch opponent at the sixth time of asking, but sounded a note of caution. “At this moment, we have a good chance of reaching the second round," he said, "but we still only have six points and that won’t be enough so there is still some work to do.”

‘We defended well’
Dortmund, who were last thwarted by Dutch opposition when Feyenoord defeated them 3-2 in the UEFA Cup final in Rotterdam in May, defended solidly and Sammer relied upon strikers Tomáš Rosický and Koller to cause problems for the PSV defence. “Our defence did well today, and also my goalie made some important saves,” Sammer added. “We had some problems in the first 45 minutes, but a splendid solo goal by Rosický gave us the cushion we needed. After that second goal I didn’t expect any more problems, but the PSV goal gave them hope again.”

‘We created nothing’
PSV coach Guus Hiddink was left reflecting on the fact that an individual error cost his side yet again, as Kasper Bøgelund was dispossessed by Rosický for the opening goal. Hiddink was far from satisfied with his team’s performance. “Our start was promising, but the final pass let us down again and again," Hiddink said. "Sloppy defending gave our opponents the lead and in Europe you know that it will be difficult to draw level. In the second half we put a lot of pressure on their defence but we hardly created any chances. And with the risk we took you know that they will get the opportunity for a break.”

Hiddink accepts PSV’s fate
Hiddink accepted that it is now virtually impossible for his side to reach the next stage of the competition. “Now we need to win our last three matches, but considering the difference between Arsenal, Borussia and ourselves, I have to face reality and that is very disappointing,” he added.

‘They are ahead of us’
The former Korean Republic coach used the way Dortmund defended their advantage as an illustration of the difference between the two teams. “Borussia never hesitated to kick the ball out when they are under pressure, while my defenders always go for the stylish solution. Such examples make it clear how far ahead of us Dortmund are in terms of development,” said Hiddink. “In Holland possession of the ball is considered as important, while in Europe several other things take precedence in matches like these.”