PSV Eindhoven returned to Eredivisie action with a 2-0 victory over SC Heerenveen on Friday evening, but captain Mauro Júnior was clear that the result did not hide the shortcomings in the performance.

Peter Bosz’s side secured three points at the Philips Stadion through a goal from Guus Til and an own goal by Marcus Linday. However, Heerenveen created several opportunities and repeatedly threatened Matej Kovar’s goal without finding a way through.

For Mauro, the result was important, but PSV must improve before their next challenge.

Speaking to ESPN after the final whistle, the PSV captain offered a candid assessment of his team’s display.

“We didn't play very well. The three points are important, just like the clean sheet. We're happy with that, but there are many areas for improvement,” Mauro said.

The Brazilian’s comments reflected a match in which PSV struggled to establish complete control despite eventually winning by two goals.

Heerenveen had opportunities to take the lead, particularly in the first half, but failed to capitalise. PSV were eventually able to make their chances count, with Til opening the scoring before Linday’s own goal provided Bosz’s side with some breathing room.

The clean sheet was also significant for PSV, who had been criticised for conceding too many chances earlier in the campaign.

Mauro also pointed to the international break as an important factor behind PSV’s uneven performance.

The Eindhoven squad had players returning from different countries and only limited time together before facing Heerenveen.

“After an international break, it's not easy, because we had only one training session with the team,” the PSV captain explained, as quoted by PSV Inside.

The lack of preparation time meant that some of PSV’s usual automatisms were not at their sharpest. Bosz had made a similar assessment after the match, acknowledging that his team were sometimes sloppy in possession and lacked control.

For Mauro, the solution is straightforward: learn from the performance and move forward.

“We have to learn from this again,” he concluded.

The victory gives PSV a positive start to the demanding period ahead, but the margin for improvement is limited.

Bosz’s side now turn their attention to the Champions League, with RB Leipzig awaiting them in Germany on Tuesday.

The Heerenveen match provided three valuable points and a clean sheet, but Mauro’s assessment underlined that PSV will need to raise their level for the European challenge.

The result was secure. The performance, according to the captain, still has plenty of room to improve.