Peter Bosz was cautiously optimistic after PSV secured three points against Excelsior on Saturday, although the head coach admitted his side's first-half display fell below the required standard.

PSV took an early lead but allowed Excelsior to equalise after the break before Ricardo Pepi quickly restored the advantage. Bosz was unhappy with the goal PSV conceded but felt his team defended more effectively overall.

“We didn't look good on that goal we conceded,” Bosz admitted, as quoted by PSV watcher Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad. “I felt Ricardo should have done more there, and Ryan [Flamingo] might not have been positioned quite right either. Apart from that, I think we defended pretty well. When we’re good in possession, it takes the pressure off our defense.”

Bosz was particularly pleased with the change in intensity after half-time, with Kodai Sano making an immediate impression after coming off the bench.

“He can defend proactively, anticipates well, and has great technical ability. He also brings aggression to the team when it comes to winning duels. Kodai is a very good footballer and makes those around him play better, too.”

Amir Bouhamdi also impressed after being introduced. Bosz said the youngster had been nervous the previous week but responded strongly against Excelsior.

“He came on exactly the way a coach loves to see. He trains very well and performed just as a young player should when coming off the bench. He pressed high up the pitch, helped out defensively, made tackles, and was good on the ball.”

Bosz added: “He plays with intensity and works hard. He does need to stay a bit calmer in the final third, but this lad is a really talented footballer.”

Joey Veerman's future remains uncertain with interest in the midfielder, but Bosz insisted he is not allowing the situation to distract him.

“I haven't heard a thing about it yet. Of course, I’d be happy for him to take the next step, and a change in dynamics can sometimes be good for a team,” he said.

A departure would nevertheless represent a significant loss.

“If he were to leave, it would certainly be a blow. But when I arrived here, Xavi Simons left; another player with very specific qualities who had done really well at PSV. Later, players like Malik Tillman and Noa Lang left, but we managed to cope with that too.”

For now, Bosz is assuming Veerman will remain.

“No, I’ll get a call if something is in the works. For the moment, I’m simply assuming he’ll stay. Tonight, he was one of the standout players in the first half. Very composed in possession and assertive in demanding the ball. It was one of his better matches, and he played really well alongside Sano.”

The major concern came before the match, when Alassane Pléa suffered an injury during Friday's training session.

“We were just relieved it wasn't his knee or anything else serious. I did stop the training session immediately after that happened, though. We didn't feel like continuing. It’s incredibly disappointing for him. Just awful.”

Bosz has yet to discuss a potential replacement with director of football Earnest Stewart. PSV do have options behind Pepi and remain interested in 17-year-old Danish striker Mikkel Bro Hansen of Bodø/Glimt.

Bro Hansen is reportedly keen on a move to Eindhoven, but PSV still need to reach an agreement with the Norwegian club.