The veteran player slammed his side’s lacklustre possession and creative struggles after a frustrating home draw, demanding an immediate response before their return to Eredivisie action.
Ivan Perišić did not hide his frustration after Peter Bosz’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League opener.
Perišić was handed the PSV captain’s armband on Thursday evening in the absence of suspended Mauro Junior, but the Croatian could not lead Peter Bosz’s side to victory as Shakhtar Donetsk secured a 1-1 draw at the Philips Stadion.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport after the match, Perišić offered a frank assessment of PSV’s display and admitted the team struggled to create enough opportunities.
“We didn’t play good football. We have to be better with the ball. Today was really bad. We have to look at what we can do better,” the Croatian international said, as quoted by PSV Inside.
PSV had fallen behind to a stoppage-time goal from Shakhtar before Sergiño Dest restored parity early in the second half. Despite having periods of pressure afterwards, the home side could not find the decisive second goal.
Perišić was particularly critical of PSV’s work in possession, acknowledging that the team needed to improve significantly if they were to compete effectively in the Champions League.
![Perišić was particularly critical of PSV’s work in possession [Reuters]](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7e2f9320-8596-4960-948a-e58ea4ccb4f9.jpeg)
Perišić was particularly critical of PSV’s work in possession [Reuters]Perišić Refuses to Panic
Despite his criticism, the experienced winger did not allow the result to overshadow the wider European campaign.
“Last season, we would have lost these matches. We still have seven games to go,” Perišić continued.
The draw leaves PSV with one point from their opening Champions League fixture, with seven league-phase matches still to come.
For Perišić, the response must now be immediate. PSV do not have much time to dwell on the result, with Sparta Rotterdam visiting Eindhoven on Sunday evening in matchday six of the Eredivisie.
“It’s difficult to talk now. We now have two days to respond and then we have to again,” said the acting captain.
PSV Could Not Exploit Shakhtar Bookings
Perišić was also asked why PSV failed to take greater advantage of Shakhtar having three of their four defenders booked during the match.
The visitors were increasingly walking a disciplinary tightrope, but PSV were unable to turn that situation into a decisive advantage.
“We did try. It just wasn’t our day today,” Perišić concluded.
The Croatian’s assessment reflected the frustration inside the PSV camp after a match in which the hosts had expected to make a stronger start to their Champions League campaign.
Perišić’s message was clear: the performance with the ball must improve, and quickly.
With Sparta Rotterdam next on the schedule, PSV have an immediate opportunity to provide the response their captain demanded.
