Peter Bosz has reflected on PSV’s difficult opening to the 2026-27 season, admitting that their early results gave people reason to question whether the reigning champions could compete at the top again.

PSV lost 4-0 to AZ in the Johan Cruijff Shield and then suffered a 3-1 home defeat against Villarreal in pre-season. They then dropped two points in their opening Eredivisie fixture against Fortuna Sittard in a 2-2 draw.

The slow start was compounded by PSV’s late activity in the transfer window, but Bosz believes the early results did not provide the full picture.

Speaking to Voetbal International, as quoted by PSV Inside, Bosz recalled the reaction following the defeat to Villarreal and the heavy loss against AZ.

“After that defeat against Villarreal, AZ got over it. Well, I didn’t think that match was a fair comparison, because Joey Veerman got sent off there after about five minutes.”

The PSV coach acknowledged that the early performances naturally raised doubts.

“Then everyone thought: we might not have to take PSV all that much into account. Which I also found understandable, seeing us in those two matches.”

However, Bosz insisted that the reality was somewhere between the poor performances at the beginning and the more impressive displays that followed.

“We weren’t as bad as it seemed there. But we are also not as good as it seemed after the match against Ajax.”

Despite the difficult opening, Bosz is satisfied with the progress made during the first block of the season.

“I'm satisfied with the first block we've completed. We can see the outlines of how we want to play. We are incorporating a number of new boys, and that is going quite well.”

One of those new arrivals, Sven Mijnans, initially found himself on the bench for several consecutive matches.

Bosz explained that the midfielder's delayed involvement was part of the process of adapting to the demands of his new team.

“Sven Mijnans could have played earlier. I tried to explain to him why that hadn’t happened yet.”

The coach believes Mijnans has since grown into the level required at PSV.

“He has grown into the level and is doing very well now.”

Bosz also highlighted Kodai Sano's smooth transition into the side.

“Kodai Sano has slotted into the team without any problems.”

Bosz was even more deliberate with Lutsharel Geertruida, who was frustrated at initially being left out.

The defender was keen to play immediately, but Bosz wanted him to understand PSV's defensive demands before exposing him to the pressure that came with joining a team already facing criticism.

“Lutsharel Geertruida was a bit angry, because he wasn't allowed to play right away.”

Bosz explained his reasoning clearly.

“Precisely because our back line gets a lot of criticism, I said: ‘I want you to first master our way of playing properly’.”

He specifically pointed to Geertruida's responsibilities when PSV build their attacks and defend transitions.

“He has to keep on supporting, that midfield.”

For Bosz, protecting a new signing from unnecessary criticism was also part of the decision.

“I didn't want to expose him as a new player immediately to criticism.”

The approach has since paid off, with Geertruida impressing against Ajax and quickly settling into his new surroundings.

“He did brilliantly against Ajax and is now already completely at home as well.”