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‘We Have to Win’: Peter Bosz Makes PSV Demands Clear Ahead of Crucial FC Porto Champions League Clash
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- ‘We Have to Win’: Peter Bosz Makes PSV Demands Clear Ahead of Crucial FC Porto Champions League Clash
Peter Bosz has made it clear that PSV Eindhoven must respond to their recent setbacks as they prepare to face FC Porto in the Champions League, insisting that winning remains the club's priority despite a difficult spell on the pitch.
Speaking at the Estádio do Dragão on Monday, the PSV head coach showed little outward sign of frustration ahead of Tuesday's meeting. Instead, his message was one of urgency and concentration, with his side needing a stronger performance after losing three of their last four matches.
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"We have to win. That is part of being at PSV. It is about winning," Bosz said. "We haven't done that a few times now. To win, we will have to be more consistent."
As reported by Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad and Jeroen Kapteijns of De Telegraaf , Bosz believes PSV have shown enough quality in recent matches but have repeatedly failed to maintain their level throughout games.
"If you look at Leipzig, we dominated large parts of the match, but also phases where it was less impressive. At those moments, we give away the initiative. That needs to improve," he added.
![Guus Til has travelled with the squad to Porto [IMAGO/ANP]](https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/d5f7f2bf0509b763263e513c686c6dc81923886b95c9afd4d5c2e5e70c680d65/lightyear_networkapi/resizefill_w960%3Bquality_80%3Bformat_webp/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Froundtable_sports_psv_eindhoven_320%2F88d64e9f01438c9826cc678ed87cb7bd.jpg)
Guus Til has travelled with the squad to Porto [IMAGO/ANP]
Til Travels, But Van Bommel Remains Unavailable
PSV have received some encouragement ahead of the Porto encounter, with Guus Til travelling with the squad after suffering a worrying fall during Saturday's defeat against ADO Den Haag .
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The midfielder was forced off after landing on the back of his head and reporting problems with his vision. Although his condition appears to have improved, Bosz stopped short of confirming that he would be fit to play against Porto.
Ruben van Bommel , meanwhile, remains unavailable. The winger has returned to training but has not done enough to be considered for Tuesday's match, with PSV keen to avoid taking unnecessary risks ahead of Sunday's Eredivisie clash against Feyenoord.
"We assessed his situation ahead of this game. Ruben has taken part in training, but it wasn't quite enough for him to play a part against Porto. We don't want to take any risks with him," Bosz explained.
Van Bommel is therefore targeting a return against Feyenoord, leaving PSV short of natural options on the left flank for their European assignment.
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Reserve right-back Kiliann Sildillia has returned to the squad, providing Bosz with an additional defensive option. However, PSV remain without their three main strikers, increasing the responsibility on the players available in attack.
![Mijnans scored against ADO but was sent off before half-time [IMAGO/ANP]](https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/82260033fcf3ae4232423bfccd1b405e57ce7b20be16b47c97464d1b4f0e8070/lightyear_networkapi/resizefill_w960%3Bquality_80%3Bformat_webp/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Froundtable_sports_psv_eindhoven_320%2F72ead6d4a72ff812be3abf5c0cb70f82.jpg)
Mijnans scored against ADO but was sent off before half-time [IMAGO/ANP]
Mijnans Given Chance To Respond After ADO Setback
Sven Mijnans could again have an important role to play, alongside Til if the latter is cleared to feature. Mijnans scored against ADO but was sent off before half-time after receiving a second yellow card, contributing to a disappointing afternoon for PSV.
The midfielder subsequently accepted responsibility for his dismissal and apologised. Bosz defended the overall manner in which Mijnans addressed the incident, taking issue with the attention given to one particular remark about the sun.
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"It's unfair that that one sentence was singled out," Bosz said. "He was very candid and offered his apologies. His overall response was perfectly appropriate, and he took full responsibility for his actions."
With the ADO defeat now behind them, Mijnans and his teammates have an immediate opportunity to respond against Porto.
FC Porto vs PSV: Champions League Preview, Team News and Lineups
Champions League Pressure Mounting
The stakes are rising for PSV, who need points to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top 24 of the Champions League league phase after eight matches.
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Porto represent a direct rival in that pursuit, with both teams having collected just one point from their opening two games. A positive result in Portugal would therefore provide a significant lift to PSV's European campaign.
Bosz will also need leadership from experienced players, with Ivan Perisic, Filip Kostic and captain Mauro Júnior expected to carry added responsibility. There is a chance thatPerisic could operate on the left if Van Bommel remains unavailable.
The Porto trip begins a demanding period for PSV, with the Feyenoord clash following just days later. Bosz, however, has made his immediate priority clear: his side must regain consistency, stop surrendering control of matches and start turning performances into results.
