Ruud Gullit criticised Ricardo Pepi’s performance as PSV were held to a 1-1 draw by Shakhtar Donetsk, while the former PSV captain also defended Ruben van Bommel against repeated questions about his Ajax incident.

PSV were unable to open their Champions League campaign with a victory on Thursday evening, drawing 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk at the Philips Stadion.

One of the biggest talking points was Ricardo Pepi’s performance. The American striker struggled to influence the match and was eventually substituted by Peter Bosz, with attacking midfielder Sven Mijnans brought on in his place.

Ziggo Sport analyst and former PSV player Ruud Gullit was highly critical of the striker after watching the match from the Philips Stadion.

“Pepi didn't appear in the play at all; he also didn't get involved in the ball to offer himself. He was angry that he was substituted, but that was nevertheless justified,” Gullit said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

Former PSV player Boudewijn Zenden agreed that PSV’s lack of movement made life easier for the Ukrainian champions.

“Shakhtar could keep it up quite easily; at PSV there was too little movement,” Zenden said.

Gullit expanded on the issue, explaining why a striker needs to create movement even when the ball is not immediately coming his way.

“You have to have, from time to time, a striker who runs into the corner or comes to get the ball, so you get that feeling. But Shakhtar could just keep standing there,” Gullit responded.

While Pepi came in for criticism, Kodai Sano received a very different assessment from Gullit.

The Japanese midfielder was one of PSV’s brighter performers in the centre of the pitch, despite facing a Shakhtar side that Gullit felt defended and pressed effectively.

“I thought Sano played brilliantly in midfield. He had it quite difficult, because I thought Shakhtar put good pressure on. PSV had a lot of trouble getting the ball through in midfield or to the strikers,” Gullit said.

The former PSV captain also believed the match offered an interesting contrast between the two halves.

“In the first half, it went really well for Van Bommel, but in the second half he was still neutralized by two men on the sidelines. I thought it was an interesting match from both teams.”

Gullit was particularly impressed by Shakhtar’s Brazilian contingent and their quality in possession.

“I thought Shakhtar with the ball were really very good; those Brazilians really can play football,” he added.

Gullit also became frustrated during the post-match interview with Ruben van Bommel.

The PSV winger had already apologised for the incident involving Aaron Bouwman during last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Ajax, but reporter Sam van Royen again asked him about the challenge.

Van Bommel said: “I have offered my apologies. I think that in the end it was my own fault. It wasn’t a good idea. But I also want to put it behind us.”

The continued questioning irritated Gullit.

“They keep picking at it, leave that boy alone. He’s already offered his apologies, he says that too, doesn’t he. They just keep going. Sam, you’ve disappointed me. No, he did his job, but I thought: leave him alone,” Gullit said.

Presenter Helene Hendriks defended Van Royen’s decision to ask about the incident.

“I understand you, but I do think it’s relevant. I also want to know what he thinks about it,” Hendriks said.

Zenden disagreed, arguing that Van Bommel’s initial response should have been sufficient.

“Relevant is the first reaction and then it’s done. I also know Ruben personally and I also know that it was never intended that way. At the time it happened, he was already aware of his guilt. He immediately offered his apologies,” Zenden explained, as relayed by PSV Inside.

Gullit remained unconvinced by the need for further questions.

“You wanted to know how he felt and whether he had thought about it again. Whether he had talked to his father about it? What else do you want to know? Come on now. He really felt bad, and he also said that,” he concluded.