Oct 21, 2026 9:55 AM
Updated Oct 21, 2026 9:57 AM
Following a landmark European triumph, the manager hails Sven Mijnans’ redemption and provides a crucial fitness update on Ricardo Pepi ahead of the clash with Feyenoord.
Peter Bosz was delighted with PSV’s historic Champions League victory over FC Porto, singling out Sven Mijnans for special praise while highlighting the importance of the team’s collective effort and the support of the travelling fans.
Speaking to Dutch journalists at the Estádio do Dragão on Tuesday evening, the PSV manager reflected on an impressive performance that made his side the first Dutch team to win away against Porto. While pleased with the result, Bosz was careful not to get carried away, insisting that the contribution of the entire squad had been central to the achievement.
[IMAGO/ANP]Bosz Singles Out Mijnans After Impressive Response
Mijnans was Bosz’s standout performer on the night, having bounced back from the disappointment of his red card against ADO Den Haag the previous weekend.
The 26-year-old delivered a commanding display against Porto, impressing with his technical quality, work rate and defensive contribution.
“I thought Sven Mijnans was the best player tonight. Just look at that one touch he had during the match, that tells you everything you need to know. And the amount of ground he covered? Sven played exceptionally well, including his contributions to the defence,” Bosz said.
Yarek Gasiorowski and Esmir Bajraktarevic also caught the manager’s eye, with Bosz particularly pleased by the impact of his substitutes. He stressed that players who do not feature regularly must still be prepared to make a difference when called upon.
“The way our players came on was excellent. They have to step onto the pitch with the right mindset, which isn't easy when you aren't getting regular playing time,” he explained, as relayed by PSV Watcher Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad.
Nick Olij, who has had limited opportunities since joining PSV, also received recognition for his commitment to the group. Bosz praised the goalkeeper’s vocal presence during matches and in preparation, despite the frustration of not being the first-choice option.
[IMAGO/ANP]PSV’s Attacking Options Set To Increase
Bosz faces an increasingly competitive selection picture as several attacking players move closer to availability.
Ricardo Pepi is returning from injury and could potentially feature in Sunday’s match against Feyenoord. Sami Ouaissa is also gradually becoming available, adding to the options already provided by Bajraktarevic, Dennis Man, Ruben van Bommel, Amir Bouhamdi and Ivan Perisic.
Perisic played an important role against Porto, further underlining the depth Bosz has at his disposal.
The manager acknowledged that keeping everyone satisfied would not always be straightforward, but his comments after the match suggested he was encouraged by the response from both his starters and substitutes.
[IMAGO/Pro Shots]The PSV manager also reserved warm words for the supporters who travelled to Portugal, revealing that their presence had been impossible to ignore even before kick-off.
“I could hear them even before the match, during the warm-up. They completely drowned out the other fans,” Bosz said.
He added that the atmosphere would inspire any player preparing to step onto the pitch, joking that he had felt the same excitement himself, although he conceded that putting himself back into action would probably not be advisable.
[IMAGO/ANP]A Turning Point In PSV’s Champions League Campaign?
The victory could prove significant for PSV’s European ambitions. With four points from their opening three Champions League matches, the Dutch side have given themselves a platform from which to push for qualification to the next round.
Bosz, however, was unwilling to make bold predictions about what the result might mean in the longer term.
“We took a wrong turn for a bit, but we’re back on the right track now,” he said.
His immediate attention has shifted to Sunday’s home meeting with Feyenoord, with potential returns from injury offering further encouragement.
For now, though, Bosz is happy to savour a result he believes will stay with him for years.
“I’ll certainly remember this one for a long time to come,” he remarked, adding another memorable European victory to his PSV tenure, which has also included notable wins over Liverpool and Napoli.
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