Reigning Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven currently maintain a narrow two-point lead ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second place Ajax to remain at the top of the Eredivisie heading into March. The Rood-witten, who currently remain undefeated in 2019, have won three and drawn four in the Eredivisie since the start of the New Year.

The reigning Dutch champions have also drawn their last three Eredivisie matches, which includes a 1-1 home draw against Giovanni van Brockhorst’s Feyenoord on February 24 at the 35,000 capacity Philips Stadion, a 2-2 draw with Heerenveen on February 16 at the Abe Lenstra Stadion, as well as a 2-2 draw with FC Utrecht at the Stadion Galgenwaard on February 10. PSV Eindhoven meanwhile having scored 74 goals and conceded 16 at the other end this season in the Eredivisie.

Mark van Bommel’s PSV Eindhoven side, who finished bottom in the UEFA Champions League Group B this season, in a group which also included FC Barcelona, Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur and Internazionale, also missed out on the consolation of being transferred into the UEFA Europa League courtesy of Internazionale finishing third in Group B of the UEFA Champions League.

Elsewhere, PSV Eindhoven captain, Luuk de Jong, presently leads the reigning Eredivisie champions with 24 goals in all competitions in 2018/2019. Meanwhile, Mexico international forward, Hirving Lozano, currently stands second in goals scored behind de Jong this season courtesy of finding the net 18 times in all competitions. Lozano, who netted 19 goals in the Eredivisie last season, was linked with a high-profile big-money move to FC Barcelona last summer after an impressive showing for Mexico during FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

PSV Eindhoven, who have lost just one league game this season, have a 15 point advantage over third place Feyenoord and an 18 points advantage over fourth place AZ Alkmaar. Last season, PSV Eindhoven won the Eredivisie with a four-point margin ahead of runners-up Ajax, coupled alongside a 12 point advantage over third place AZ Alkmaar.

Before PSV Eindhoven’s game against Excelsior this Saturday evening at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, FOX Sports Radio 96.9 FM/1340 AM’s Dean Perretta briefly caught up with PSV Eindhoven and Mexico superstar, Hirving Lozano, to touch on PSV Eindhoven’s 2018/2019 Eredivisie season, the Mexican superstar’s development as a professional playing under the managerial guidance of Mark van Bommel, as well as Lozano’s thoughts on Mexico’s chances at this summer’s much-anticipated 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament.

Dean Perretta: Hirving, what are the main ambitions and expectations for PSV Eindhoven in the second half of the Eredivisie season?

Hirving Lozano: The main ambition is to win the (Eredivisie) title. That’s the reason why we (PSV Eindhoven) play football, to be champions. We succeeded last year (winning the Eredivisie title) and that feeling was fantastic. We hope to do it again this year.

Dean Perretta: At this moment, it’s seemingly a two horse race with both PSV Eindhoven and Ajax currently vying for the Eredivisie title. However, with PSV currently, the reigning Eredivisie champions, do you feel that PSV has used internal and external pressures positively as opposed simply having a psychological advantage with regards to the current lead at the top of the table?

Hirving Lozano: It is clear that a part of our team knows what is needed to be champions (of the Eredivisie) and that is helpful in such a tough race (this season with Ajax). It’s too much to say that it gives us a psychological advantage, because it’s just a part in a bigger picture.

Dean Perretta: What are your thoughts on PSV’s forthcoming Eredivisie games throughout the month of March?

Hirving Lozano: Our tactics (at the club) are always quite simple; we play to win. That’s the objective every game and so it will be this month (in March). Our (Eredivisie) results were not that good in the last weeks (with three draws in a row), but we have enough confidence left.

Dean Perretta: How would you describe the philosophy and tactical acumen of Mark van Bommel from a player’s perspective?

Hirving Lozano: Coach (Mark) Van Bommel is a former top player and knows football is about details. Football is a team sport, so our tactics are for the team. An individual can only succeed if the team plays well, that’s the base of the philosophy. I fully agree with that.

Dean Perretta: Lastly, what are the ambitions for Mexico this summer at the much-awaited 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament?

Hirving Lozano: When you play a tournament (for our country) you want to win it. That’s the only spirit needed (for Mexico this summer at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup). 

Dean Perretta

Dean Perretta is a 2x SEA Award-winning creative, Broadcast Journalist, Reporter, Courtside Analyst for BBC televised London Lions and Executive Producer who currently contributes to FOX Sports Radio, FourFourTwo Magazine and Muscle & Fitness Magazine.