PSV manager Peter Bosz admitted he hesitated before informing his players that Feyenoord had dropped points against Fortuna Sittard, but ultimately decided to use the result as extra motivation ahead of their emphatic victory over Willem II.

Peter Bosz had plenty of reasons to be satisfied after PSV Eindhoven dismantled Willem II 7-0 on Saturday evening. The victory strengthened their position in the Eredivisie title race, improved their goal difference and provided an ideal platform ahead of their Champions League meeting with Club Brugge.

However, one detail behind the preparations for the match caught particular attention. Bosz revealed that he had informed his players about Feyenoord's 1-1 draw against Fortuna Sittard before kick-off, despite initially questioning whether doing so might distract his squad.

“Yes, though I did have my doubts. I wondered if it might be a distraction,” Bosz explained.

“My only concern was that one or two players might take this match too lightly, or perhaps have their minds already on the Brugge game. I figured I'd use every tool at my disposal to keep the pressure on the squad, by pointing out that the Feyenoord match had ended in a 1-1 draw.”

The decision appeared to have the desired effect. PSV secured a convincing victory, scoring seven goals without conceding. The result also transformed the goal-difference picture, with Feyenoord's advantage of six goals over PSV overturned.

“Winning is what matters, and the fact that it's a big scoreline? That's a bonus,” Bosz said. He also highlighted the importance of keeping a clean sheet, although he acknowledged that Willem II came close to scoring when they struck the crossbar.

One of the biggest positives for the PSV manager was Ricardo Pepi's contribution after coming off the bench. The American striker needed only a few minutes to get on the scoresheet, heading home Esmir Bajraktarevic's cross in the 73rd minute.

“He only needed five minutes to make his mark in that regard,” Bosz said, as reported by Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad.

The manager was particularly pleased with Pepi's movement, link-up play and overall contribution after returning from another frustrating injury setback.

“I believe we even discussed this during the pre-match press conference: you need to play good football first in order to score goals. If you don't create chances, it's a different story. We were creating them, but we weren't converting.

“We've been missing a true striker, and fortunately, we were able to see that type of player back on the pitch tonight with Ricardo. He scored a great goal, another one with his head.”

Bosz added that he would consider Pepi's role for the upcoming Champions League fixture against Club Brugge, but made clear how pleased he was to have the striker available again.

PSV's attacking performance was also notable for the fact that seven different players found the net. Mauro Júnior, Guus Til, Sven Mijnans, Ruben van Bommel, Pepi, Kodai Sano and Shuryjano Cornecion all scored.

Bosz singled out Mijnans' third goal as his favourite, partly because of the build-up that preceded it.

“I actually didn't realise that seven different players had scored,” the PSV manager admitted.

The coach also praised 18-year-old Cornecion, who came off the bench to complete the scoring in the 81st minute. Bosz had previously spoken with the youngster after an underwhelming appearance against Feyenoord and explained what he expected from him.

“When you're young and have to come on in a high-profile match, that's not easy. I sat down with him afterward and explained what I expect from him: a sense of eagerness, which is exactly what I saw from him today,” Bosz said.

“He's very skilled and a great dribbler. Shuryjano is an attacking midfielder who can score goals and easily get past opponents with the ball at his feet. But he also needs to bring energy to the team, and that's what he did today.”

There was further encouragement for Bosz after the match, with PSV reporting no fresh injury concerns ahead of their European assignment.

The manager confirmed that he had spoken with the club doctor, who found no medical issues following the Willem II encounter.

After a seven-goal performance, Pepi's return and a clean bill of health, PSV head into their meeting with Club Brugge with considerable momentum.