PSV have received a measured assessment of their Champions League performances from Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez, who believes Peter Bosz’s side are still competing despite a mixed start to their European campaign.

The Eindhoven club moved to the top of the Eredivisie following the latest round of fixtures, but attention now turns to the international break before domestic football resumes.

Xavi announced his second Netherlands squad last Friday, including PSV players Ruben van Bommel, Lutsharel Geertruida and Guus Til. During a press conference in Zeist on Monday, the former Barcelona midfielder was also asked to assess PSV’s performances in Europe.

PSV have experienced contrasting results in their opening Champions League fixtures. They suffered a 1-0 defeat away to RB Leipzig, responded with a 1-0 victory over FC Porto, but then lost 2-1 to Club Brugge last week.

Xavi was nevertheless encouraged by what he had seen, particularly in the victory against Porto.

“PSV really did well against FC Porto. I saw Feyenoord in action live in Sevilla. That match was evenly matched; they could have won too. I think they’re performing. It isn’t easy in the Champions League, the best competition in Europe. But at least they’re still in the fight,” he said, as quoted by Voetbal International and relayed by PSV Inside.

His comments offer some encouragement for Bosz, although PSV know that stronger results will be needed if they are to make a serious impression in this season’s competition.

The margin for error is becoming increasingly small, with PSV facing two demanding European assignments in their next fixtures.

Bosz’s team must travel to face Real Madrid before welcoming Atletico Madrid to the Philips Stadion in the following round. Both matches will provide a significant test of PSV’s ability to compete against elite opposition.

While Xavi believes PSV are performing reasonably well, the Dutch champions need to turn that competitiveness into points. Their European campaign remains alive, but the upcoming fixtures could prove decisive in determining how far they progress.