Peter Bosz demands total concentration in Enschede while celebrating Ruben van Bommel’s milestone international breakthrough ahead of a high-stakes Eredivisie showdown.
PSV head coach Peter Bosz has urged his players to remain fully focused on Sunday’s trip to FC Twente, despite several members of his squad preparing for international duty with their countries.
PSV will play their final match before the international break on Sunday, facing a Twente side that has recovered well after losing its opening game of the season.
For Bosz, the immediate priority is not what comes afterwards, but the challenge waiting in Enschede.
“It certainly is for us. It’s yet another tough away game this season,” Bosz said when asked about the match being labelled a top-of-the-table clash.
PSV have already faced difficult away fixtures against Utrecht and Ajax this season, while Excelsior have also made a strong start. Twente now represents another significant test.
“They lost their first game of the season, but since then they’ve been on a good run, so we’ll have our work cut out for us.”
Bosz Wants Strong Finish Before Break
The PSV manager is particularly aware of the timing of the fixture. With players departing for international duty afterwards, Sunday provides an opportunity to enter the break with another positive result.
“It’s the last game before a very long international break. You won’t see some of the guys for almost three weeks.”
Bosz stressed that PSV must maintain their concentration rather than allowing the approaching break to become a distraction.
“Those are the games you simply have to win, right before a break like that. Otherwise, you’ll be dreading it for three weeks, and we don’t want that.”
Rather than focusing heavily on Twente’s strengths, Bosz said his attention remains on his own team.
“I always try to keep an eye on us. That’s what I focus on most: are we sharp enough?”
The coach also rejected the idea that PSV’s 4-1 victory over Sparta represented top-level football, despite the convincing scoreline.
“You play a few top-tier football matches a year, and I didn’t think this one was one of them.”
Pride Over Van Bommel Call-Up
Bosz also welcomed Ruben van Bommel’s first Netherlands call-up under new head coach Xavi Hernández.
“Absolutely. Every time a player is selected for a national team, it’s a wonderful thing. In his case, it’s his first time, so that makes it special for him, but also for PSV. And yes, we’re proud of that.”
There was also encouraging news regarding Kiliann Sildillia, who has undergone surgery and was already walking without crutches. However, the injured players will not all be available against Twente.
The players who featured against Sparta and were available last week remain available for Sunday.
Schouten Still Has A Long Road Ahead
Bosz also provided an update on Jerdy Schouten, who continues his rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury.
“He says he’s doing well. Off the top of my head, he’s been at it for four months now.”
The PSV coach stressed that patience remains essential given the length of recovery required for such an injury.
“We all know that with a cruciate ligament injury, it naturally takes longer—more than twice that long. So he still has a long way to go, but he’s making progress in that process.”
For PSV, the message ahead of Sunday is straightforward: complete the final task before the break, maintain their sharpness and leave Enschede with another result to take into the international period.
