PSV coach: No easy ride against Liverpool

PSV Eindhoven coach Huub Stevens does not expect an easy ride against Liverpool in the Champions League even though the Anfield club have already qualified for the next stage.

Liverpool have already qualified for the last 16 with their only objective now being to finish top of the group and overtake Atletico Madrid.

With only three points to their name so far, PSV, meanwhile, need a draw to avoid their worst ever showing in a Champions League group stage.

They also need to better the result of Marseille, who face Atletico, to progress into the UEFA Cup.

Stevens said: “Will Liverpool start with the best line-up? I don’t really know but you don’t like to lose.

“We want to give the supporters something to enjoy. Then the result will be okay, I’m sure about that.”

Forwards Danny Koevermans (calf) and Nordin Amrabat (groin) are doubtful. Jan Kromkamp (ankle) and Ibrahim Afellay (ankle) are both set to miss out.

And Mexico defender Carlos Salcido will retain the vice captaincy after meeting with general manager Jan Reker.

Salcido claimed in a newspaper interview he wanted to leave the club in January, blaming coach Huub Stevens for his poor form.

But today he met with Reker over lunch, after which the director said: “I won’t say what we discussed, but it was a very clear talk.

“I was surprised by the words of Salcido, that much I do want to say. He normally doesn’t say much in the media.”

The 28-year-old joined PSV in 2006 from Chivas and in the summer extended his contract to June 2012.

Reker confirmed Salcido had joined up with the rest of the squad ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League game against Liverpool, but would not say whether or not he would play.

Reker said: “That’s not my job. When it’s in the interests of PSV he should play, though.

“After the lunch at the stadium Salcido went with the squad to prepare for the match in Eindhoven on Tuesday.”

Salcido had told newspaper NRC Handelsblad: “As a footballer you don’t expect a coach to totally break you mentally.”

Stevens has been playing the defender at left-back rather than his favoured centre-back position, and Salcido said: “I have to accept that but it’s all gone terribly wrong for me.

“If I was coach of PSV, I would never put a player in the line-up that functions like that. Stevens has killed me mentally.”

“In January I’m packing my bags and then I’m gone.”