PSV head coach Peter Bosz expects a demanding test against FC Utrecht on Saturday, with the Eindhoven side travelling to the Galgenwaard amid a growing fixture list and a deeper squad.

Bosz also reflected on the Champions League draw, Noah Fernandez’s development and Couhaib Driouech’s departure.

PSV will travel to Utrecht on Saturday looking to build on their emphatic 5-1 victory over FC Groningen. Bosz, however, knows his side will face a different challenge at a Galgenwaard known for its intense atmosphere.

“When Utrecht plays against Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV, certain forces come into play. You have to be ready for that. No matter how fierce they are, our qualities must still be the deciding factor. We have to make sure of that.”

PSV discovered their opponents for the new Champions League campaign, with Bosz welcoming a schedule that contains both familiar names and new challenges.

“It’s a great draw, with some familiar teams and some new ones.”

Asked whether he preferred attractive opponents or potentially weaker opposition, Bosz focused on what PSV can achieve rather than the reputation of their opponents.

“I look at opportunity, because that’s what it’s all about. Although there are no guarantees. Last year, we mainly picked up points against the teams you wouldn’t necessarily expect to beat.”

One of the players to have caught the eye in recent weeks is Noah Fernandez. Bosz insists his emergence has not come as a surprise.

“No, because I already knew this. Last year, we signed him mid-season. Toward the end of the season, he played a few games, and that’s how we knew he could be a full-fledged member of the roster. He’s proven that once again.”

Bosz also addressed the difficult decisions that come with having a deep squad, particularly with PSV preparing for a schedule that will soon involve two matches per week.

“The least enjoyable part of my job is telling players who train well that they won’t be playing. Even now, we have a very strong bench. But you also know that you’ll be playing twice a week soon, and that players will get injured. And then the next one has to be ready. That’s how it works.”

Bosz also paid tribute to Couhaib Driouech, who completed his move to Celta de Vigo this week.

“Couhaib has done a great job here. Even though he never became a starter, he has been of immense value. He has developed as a player and taken a wonderful step forward.”

On the fitness front, Alassane Pléa has yet to return to the squad but has resumed individual training.

“Pléa isn’t here yet, but he’s back to training individually. Otherwise, everyone is here.”

Bosz also explained why Sven Mijnans remained on the bench against Groningen, despite PSV holding a comfortable lead.

“I was able to make different choices because we had a comfortable lead. If we’d had to force something, he would have come on with his skills.”

The PSV coach remains satisfied with the defensive progress but stressed that his team’s attacking philosophy inevitably carries risks.

“Against Groningen, we held our own for most of the game. Early on, we gave up a few chances, but it got better and better. That was a big performance, and partly achieved without Geertruida. But you have to remember that with our style of play, you’re always going to give up chances. You just have to create more yourself than the opponent does; that’s how you win games.”