PSV's Kromkamp concedes defeat

Jan Kromkamp conceded that PSV Eindhoven "can't rescue the tie now" after losing the home leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final 3-0 to Liverpool FC last night.

'Severely punished'
The PSV players were naturally shellshocked after their heaviest UEFA Champions League home loss since a 4-0 reverse against another English side, Arsenal FC, in September 2002. "The first half was a fairly even contest but the second was a different story," Dutch international Kromkamp told uefa.com. "We tried to force our way back into the game but were severely punished twice, first for a loose ball out of defence and then on a counterattack."

Lacking self-confidence
The former Liverpool defender admitted that the performance was symptomatic of his side's recent malaise, saying: "I think you could see that at the moment we are lacking self-confidence. We gave the ball away too cheaply, too often, and had difficulty getting it back. We have to be realistic. Our priority is now the remaining league games and not the return in Liverpool. We can't rescue the tie now."

'A wonderful goal'
Timmy Simons' evening as a makeshift centre-back will unfortunately be remembered for his contribution to the visitors' second goal. He said: "I was debating whether to head it or kick it, and I didn't know if there was anyone behind me. I didn't clear it far enough. And there was no chance to remedy the situation, because [John Arne] Riise hit it so quickly and so sweetly. I have to admit it was a wonderful goal."

Going all the way
The Belgian international was well aware that his side had clearly met their match at the PSV Stadium. "Liverpool are extremely disciplined," Simons said. "I can only remember them having about four or five clear chances, and they converted three. I think they have enough quality to go all the way. They are extremely tough to break down and it's difficult to create something against them."