Sergiño Dest admits PSV wanted more from their Champions League opener against Shakhtar Donetsk, while praising new teammate Lutsharel Geertruida for his composure and quality in possession.

Sergiño Dest experienced a night of mixed emotions as PSV opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday evening.

The American defender was involved at both ends of the decisive moments. Dest was part of the sequence that led to Shakhtar’s opening goal shortly before half-time, but he responded after the break by scoring PSV’s equaliser following an assist from Armando Obispo.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Dest admitted PSV had expected to take all three points but recognised that the draw represented some progress compared with previous European campaigns.

“Naturally it felt like we had to win this match, but in the previous years we didn't win the first match. Now we have a point, so there is progress there. But more could have been achieved,” Dest said, as quoted by Voetbal International and relayed by PSV Inside.

Dest also explained the demands of PSV’s defensive system under Peter Bosz. The Dutch champions frequently defend high up the pitch, with players required to trust their teammates and win individual duels.

“This season we always play one-on-one. You have to trust each other and win the duels. So far, that’s going well for us,” Dest explained.

“We play like this, everyone knows that by now. Sometimes you end up in other positions.”

The system places considerable responsibility on PSV’s defenders, particularly when opponents attempt to exploit the space behind them. Dest believes the squad has adapted well to those demands so far.

One player who has quickly earned Dest’s approval is Geertruida, who joined PSV during the summer and has already become an important part of Bosz’s defensive structure.

Dest highlighted the Dutch defender’s composure and ability to contribute when PSV have possession.

“He makes a good impression here. He is very calm and comfortable on the ball, looks ahead quickly and provides cross passes. He is simply a very good player to have alongside me,” Dest said.

Geertruida’s versatility has also allowed PSV to adjust their positioning during matches, with the defender capable of moving into different areas depending on the situation.

For Dest, having a teammate who can remain composed under pressure and progress the ball is particularly valuable within PSV’s aggressive approach.

The American has also been a consistent attacking outlet for PSV from the right side and believes his performances are improving.

“Maybe I take my moments a bit better and conditionally it improves a little. It comes off well at the moment,” Dest said.

His equaliser against Shakhtar provided a tangible reward for that attacking contribution, although the defender acknowledged that PSV could have taken more from their opening European fixture.

The 1-1 draw leaves PSV with one point from their first Champions League league-phase match, with seven fixtures still to come.

For Dest, the immediate challenge is to build on the positives while improving the areas that prevented PSV from securing victory. His assessment of Geertruida, meanwhile, suggests the summer signing has already made a strong impression inside the PSV dressing room.