Nov 5, 2026 9:30 AM

Wasteful finishing and tactical disorganization cost the Eindhoven side despite 27 shots, as Peter Bosz laments defensive lapses and a lack of clinical edge in Europe.

Peter Bosz has admitted that PSV made several costly mistakes in their 2-1 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, accepting that his side should have defended better, been more clinical and shown greater organisation in key moments.

The Eindhoven club registered 27 shots during Wednesday's meeting at the Philips Stadium but managed only one goal, with Kodai Sano's deflected effort proving insufficient to prevent a damaging home defeat.

Speaking after the match, Bosz did not hide his disappointment and acknowledged that responsibility for the performance was shared between the players and coaching staff.

“There were a number of things we should have done better,” he admitted.

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The PSV manager highlighted their failure to convert opportunities, defensive shortcomings and mistakes in possession. However, he was keen to defend his players' effort.

“But the lads worked incredibly hard. That certainly wasn't the issue. In that regard, I can’t fault them at all,” he added.

Dest's performance highlighted both the positives and frustrations of PSV's display [IMAGO/ANP]Dest's performance highlighted both the positives and frustrations of PSV's display [IMAGO/ANP]

Bosz Defends Dest Despite Missed Opportunities

Sergiño Dest was one of PSV's most influential attacking players, repeatedly finding promising positions and creating chances for himself. However, the right-back failed to convert any of his four opportunities.

Bosz was satisfied with Dest's overall contribution, insisting that the attacking plan involving the defender had worked as intended.

“I also thought Sergiño played well, but as for why the ball didn't go in? That’s difficult for me, as a coach, to explain. Still, the plan we had for him certainly worked out well,” he said, as relayed by Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad.

PSV's inability to make their dominance count was particularly frustrating given the number of opportunities they created.

Carlos Forbs' decisive strike was due to a defensive lapse from PSV [IMAGO/Photo News]Carlos Forbs' decisive strike was due to a defensive lapse from PSV [IMAGO/Photo News]

Poor Organisation Exposed PSV against Forbs

The more concerning aspect of the defeat was the manner in which PSV conceded their goals, particularly Carlos Forbs' decisive strike.

Sven Mijnans lost possession near the Club Brugge penalty area, allowing the visitors to launch a devastating counter-attack. However, Bosz identified a wider organisational problem rather than placing the blame solely on the midfielder.

Guus Til and Filip Kostić failed to coordinate their positioning effectively, leaving a significant gap on PSV's left flank. Kostić was positioned high up the pitch, while Til moved towards the opposition penalty area, leaving the defence exposed when possession was lost.

“That simply wasn't well organised,” Bosz acknowledged.

The PSV manager also recognised that his squad has lost some individual quality in recent seasons, naming Joey Veerman, Ismael Saibari and Malik Tillman as examples.

“Still, I’m certainly not going to complain about the squad. After all, I agreed to it myself,” he said.

“However, we have lost some individual quality over the last few years, with players like Joey, Ismael and Malik, which means we now operate more as a collective.”

Bosz moved  Ivan Perisic back to the left flank to contain Forbs [IMAGO/ANP]Bosz moved Ivan Perisic back to the left flank to contain Forbs [IMAGO/ANP]

Kostić also struggled to contain Forbs, whose pace and direct running repeatedly troubled PSV's defence.

Bosz considered his options at half-time but decided against replacing the Serbian. Instead, he moved Ivan Perisic back to the left flank to provide additional defensive support, with Ruben van Bommel switching to the right.

“Ivan is used to that,” Bosz explained.

Van Bommel was eventually substituted after around 70 minutes, while Ricardo Pepi entered the match in the closing stages. PSV continued searching for an equaliser but could not find a way past Yann Sommer.

PSV face Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid next [IMAGO/Pro Shots]PSV face Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid next [IMAGO/Pro Shots]

Bosz refuses to fear Champions League elimination

The defeat leaves PSV with four points from four Champions League matches, increasing the pressure ahead of a difficult run of fixtures.

Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are still to come, followed by home and away meetings with VfB Stuttgart and Viking Stavanger in January. PSV are likely to need around ten points to reach the knockout play-off places, meaning they face a demanding task in their remaining four games.

Nevertheless, Bosz is refusing to let the situation create fear within his squad.

“Being afraid gets me, and us, absolutely nowhere,” he insisted.

His message is clear: PSV must learn from the defeat, improve their defensive organisation and become more ruthless in front of goal if they are to keep their European campaign alive.

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