Koeman targets repeat with PSV

Ronald Koeman is once again hoping to mastermind Liverpool FC's UEFA Champions League downfall, having been in charge of SL Benfica last year when the Portuguese club knocked the then holders out of the competition.

Cautious
Despite that success in the first knockout round, the man now filling Guus Hiddink's shoes as PSV Eindhoven coach is striking a cautious note ahead of Tuesday's Group C opener. "Liverpool were hard to beat last year, and will be the same again this time round," said Koeman. He acknowledges that the English team have strengthened due to a string of summer signings, yet feels they are essentially the same side as before. "They have given themselves more options in a number of positions, but they still have Rafael Benítez as coach, and I don't think there will be a great deal of difference about the way they play."

Kluivert doubt
PSV will be without inspirational midfielder Phillip Cocu through suspension, and Koeman admits "he will certainly be missed", adding of the 35-year-old: "He takes the initiative during a game and has tremendous insight." On a brighter note, Brazilian defender Alex, who sat out PSV's 3-1 weekend defeat of Willem II because of illness, should play. The main question mark hangs over recent acquisition Patrick Kluivert. "He's not 100 per cent fit yet, but I will speak with him before the game and decide whether he is ready for a place on the bench," said Koeman.

Winning goal
The coach also revealed that his team have spent considerable time practising set-pieces: "At this level there is never much space and opposing teams tend to get a lot of men behind the ball. That is why, in my opinion, dead-ball situations are the most important factor in the modern game." This is a man who speaks from experience; it was from precisely such a situation that Koeman scored the goal that won the 1992 European Champion Clubs' Cup for FC Barcelona.

Kuijt eager
New signing Dirk Kuijt is eager to feature as Liverpool look to put a 3-0 loss to Everton FC behind them. "It would be great to make my Champions League debut in my home country," he said. "As a team we are also keen to make up for Saturday's defeat - it's not funny to lose a derby." Kuijt has a good record against PSV, scoring three times in two previous encounters, but does not think the locals will hold it against him. "They don't hate me here just because I played for Feyenoord," added the Dutch international.

Improvement needed
For Benítez, his defence - missing John Arne Riise through injury - must tighten up. "We need to improve and stop making so many mistakes," he said. "But we are confident because we have very good players." While giving nothing away about his selection, he also insists the fuss surrounding Craig Bellamy's weekend omission has not surprised him. "You know before making such a decision that there will be a reaction. I had too many strikers. That's all."

Probable teams
PSV: Heurelho Gomes; Jan Kromkamp, Alex, Eric Addo, Carlos Salcido; Timmy Simons, Edison Méndez, Ibrahim Afellay, Jason Culina; Arouna Koné, Jefferson Farfán.

Liverpool: Pepe Reina; Steve Finnan, Sami Hyypiä, Jamie Carragher, Fabio Aurelio; Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Mohamed Sissoko, Luis García; Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuijt.