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Ivan Perišić Sets PSV Champions League Target Ahead of Shakhtar
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- Ivan Perišić Sets PSV Champions League Target Ahead of Shakhtar
Ivan Perišić believes PSV must improve in Europe after winning three consecutive Eredivisie titles.
The Croatian wants the Dutch champions to make a stronger impression in the Champions League, starting against Shakhtar Donetsk.
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PSV begin their UEFA Champions League campaign on Thursday evening when Shakhtar Donetsk visit the Philips Stadion. After establishing domestic dominance with three straight league titles, Ivan Perišić believes the club must now translate that success onto the European stage.
"I think it's time to take the next step. We've now won the championship three times in a row, and it's time for us to really build on that. As far as I'm concerned, we should start playing a more prominent role."
Perišić is also determined that PSV avoid a repeat of last season's slow start. The Eindhoven side struggled against Union Saint-Gilloise in their opening Champions League fixture, and the Croatian believes the lesson must be remembered.
"We can't start the way we did last year. That haunted us for the rest of the league phase. We need to start strong, with a win."
PSV Eindhoven Vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Champions League Match Preview, Head to Head, Team News
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The 36-year-old sees similarities between the demands of a domestic top match and European football. PSV's 1-3 victory over Ajax last weekend provided the final competitive test before Shakhtar's visit.
"It feels similar, and that's also reflected in the data. In terms of quality, there's no difference; it's really comparable to the Premier League and the Bundesliga."
Perišić's own preparation has also attracted attention, with reports suggesting he regularly spends time in the gym. The experienced winger confirmed that maintaining his physical level requires considerable work.
"Haha, yeah, I have to. I have to compete with young guys, so you have to be fit. Every day I have a double session, and that's the bare minimum I can do. That's what my teammates have to do, too."
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The Croatian also defended Ruben van Bommel after the PSV winger's heavily discussed challenge on Aaron Bouwman in the match against Ajax.
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"Ruben is a good guy and he works hard. Last year he had a serious injury, but he's made an amazing comeback. As for that moment: he was a split-second too late, but he didn't intend to hurt anyone. He felt really bad about it, too."
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PSV have lost experienced players including Joey Veerman and Ismael Saibari , but Perišić believes the newcomers can fill the gap.
"With Veerman and Saibari gone, we've obviously lost a lot of quality, but the new guys are hungry. They're ready, and they're going to prove it tomorrow."
For PSV, Thursday represents the first opportunity to turn domestic success into a stronger European campaign, with Perišić demanding a positive beginning against Shakhtar.
