Unwanted rematch for Hiddink
Friday, December 16, 2005
Article summary
PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink is concerned about their rematch with Olympique Lyonnais, whose coach Gérard Houllier says his team have something to prove.
Article body
Hiddink concern
Lyon are the runaway leaders in France, on course for a fifth straight title, and PSV coach Guus Hiddink made no secret of that fact this is a tough tie. "We were not really wanting to draw Lyon," he said. "I would rather have had a team like Liverpool [FC], but the choice is not ours. Last year we only defeated them on penalties, so that was pretty scary. The fact we play at home first makes a difference - we have to take the advantage in that match."
Lyon in form
The opener takes place on 21 February in Eindhoven - venue for the second-leg shoot-out last April - with the Stade Gerland return on 8 March. While PSV were runners-up in their group behind their semi-final nemesis from last season, AC Milan, Lyon finished above Real Madrid CF in their section. And Lyon coach Gérard Houllier admitted his team are now desperate to impress in the Round of 16.
'Hungry'
"We'll only know if this is a good draw after the double-header, but our players are so hungry to prove a point against PSV - last year's reverse has not been erased," he said. "Lyon have improved this season, this is a chance to prove it. I wanted to avoid [FC] Bayern [München] and Chelsea [FC]. Still, PSV remain a very good team although they have lost players. Our match in Korea [a 1-1 draw in July] will not be a form guide."
Happy memories
Both sides may look to the 2004/05 first knockout round for inspiration. Lyon thrashed Werder Bremen 10-2 on aggregate while PSV ousted another Ligue 1 outfit, AS Monaco, 3-0 overall. Then came the two 1-1 draws in these clubs' only previous European encounter. PSV midfielder Theo Lucius, who watched both games from the bench, has mixed feelings.
'Worst draw'
"I would have preferred Liverpool or Villarreal [CF]," Lucius said. "This is the worst draw for us. Of course we have good memories of playing them, but we had some luck against them last year too. It is a disadvantage to play the first leg at home, but then we should have taken care of winning our group. Yet Lyon will not be too pleased with the draw either. It will carry some fears for them, although they now have a chance of revenge."
