You spoken a lot about attacking set pieces, what about the defensive set pieces? What have you and Andreas Georgson done this summer to improve the team’s record?
Thomas: “I agree that today of course we scored two goals, but it’s equally important that we can keep the ball out of the net. The team did very well and I think Andreas and Sean, our set-piece analysts, have done a top job with the team throughout, from when we started to now. That’s both structure of how we want to do it, but also we know when there’s a structure but there’s also the physicality and then you need the desire. The structure and principles are very clear.”
Van de Ven didn’t score any goals last season but now he has five in 14 appearances, what have you done?
Thomas: “First and foremost, I think he’s really growing and taking some big steps. I’m very pleased with him overall. I think he’s taking more leadership. I think he’s defending better and better, not only using his pace but also more clever positions. I’m very happy with that. And then I said, actually at the beginning of the season, I said, it’s okay you score with your left foot and your right foot, but you need to score more goals with your head. We have worked with it and that’s a big praise to Micky, but especially to Andreas and the way he, how can you say, attack the ball, also get in there where it hurts, I think is key. Now, yeah, hopefully it will continue.”
You’re the only unbeaten away team in the Premier League – what do you read into that?
Thomas: “Normally it’s very difficult to do that and it’s been very difficult, no doubt about that, but I think to have a foundation where we have a solid foundation, but of course when you go away from home, you normally need to defend a little bit more, especially where we are. And I think how we defend high, high pressure, but especially the middle block, but also the box, I think is important. Set pieces, both boxes, can make a difference on a day like that. Then we’re adding layers. And then the overall thing, as I said, is that mentality to want to run hard and every team need to do that.”
It was Randal Kolo Muani’s first start – how did you think he did and how do you feel your attack is working at the moment?
Thomas: “It was pleasing to see his first 60 minutes. He’s still building his physicality and sharpness. I’m pleased with what I saw, but it’s the first steps, so there’s more to come. I think at times I like some of the movement, the interactions with the front four, but that is an ongoing project or process.”
With Xavi Simons, do you think building a relationship with Randal will help?
Thomas: “I like Xavi. I think he found some good positions. Maybe the final top actions are still missing, but I think still there was good actions. He just needs to keep going, keep building and keep working on it.”
It felt symbolic at the end when you celebrated in front of the fans, bringing everyone together?
Thomas: “Yeah, maybe. I think it’s a big part. I think it’s important to do it when we win. It’s important to do it when we draw. It’s important also to do it when we lose, because we’re in it in good times and bad times. And, of course, it’s a very good time today. Very happy with a win, a difficult away win. But, of course, as you say, the togetherness that is on and off the pitch, that is between players, staff, fans, the stronger that can be, the better it will be.”
On Porro’s corners, is it specifically worked on to be that narrow to the post, the deliveries were exceptional…
Thomas: “I think we have a plan to play close to the goal, but it’s sometimes difficult to hit it that precise all the time. But as long as it’s in a very good area, close to goal, then there’s more opportunities to potentially score.”
Realistically, how far can this side go?
“We are at the beginning of building something. I’m very happy with a lot of things. As I said, the defensive side of it, mentality, set pieces, but I think there’s a bit we need to work on, especially offensively, to be more free-floating still. And for me, it’s a long season ahead. I’m very happy going away from home after two away games in the Champions League. That’s a big part of it, but to continue performing day in, day out is a challenge, which we embrace and want to do. Who knows. I need to take it one game at a time.”
Do you see the team as title contenders?
“No. That, I think, is probably a few teams that are ahead of us. I think it’s fair to say that. I’m only thinking one game at a time, and let’s see where we are in April.”