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‘At This Level, You Have to Finish’: Mauro Junior Explains What Went Wrong for PSV Against Club Brugge
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- ‘At This Level, You Have to Finish’: Mauro Junior Explains What Went Wrong for PSV Against Club Brugge
PSV captain Mauro Junior has admitted that his side were not clinical enough in front of goal and lacked defensive organisation during their 2-1 defeat to Club Brugge on Wednesday evening.
Peter Bosz's team created several promising opportunities, particularly in the first half, but failed to make them count. The result leaves PSV with just four points from their opening four matches in the Champions League, increasing the pressure ahead of two difficult fixtures against Spanish opposition.
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PSV must now travel to face Real Madrid on 24 November before welcoming Atletico Madrid to the Philips Stadion on matchday six. With their qualification hopes under pressure, the Dutch side have little room for further mistakes.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport after the defeat, Mauro acknowledged that PSV had done enough to create scoring opportunities but failed to show the required composure in front of goal.
"It doesn't feel good. We had a lot of chances to score in the first half and we didn't. It's very positive that we created so many chances, but at this level you have to finish. Unfortunately, we didn't do that today," the Brazilian said.
Sergiño Dest was among those to threaten the Club Brugge goal, but goalkeeper Yann Sommer repeatedly stood in PSV's way. While Mauro was encouraged by the number of chances his team created, he recognised that such opportunities must be converted at this level of European competition.
![Mauro asserted PSV must find balance between maintaining their attacking identity and defensive discipline [IMAGO/Pro Shots]](https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/3eb140ca6cc0fa9aac2af12592165dc35beec6e6d04004e9d9ba82eadd41de8a/lightyear_networkapi/resizefill_w960%3Bquality_80%3Bformat_webp/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Froundtable_sports_psv_eindhoven_320%2F1f08623334a9f4b36b06afd173c324e1.jpg)
Mauro asserted PSV must find balance between maintaining their attacking identity and defensive discipline [IMAGO/Pro Shots]
Mauro Junior Highlights PSV's Defensive Problems
The PSV captain also pointed to his side's defensive organisation as a major reason for the defeat. Although Club Brugge had their own opportunities, Mauro felt PSV's attacking approach left them vulnerable when possession was lost.
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The Brazilian acknowledged the quality of the Belgian side but insisted that PSV had expected their style of play. He also singled out Carlos Forbs' pace as a significant threat, particularly when Club Brugge were able to exploit space in transition.
"We know that they have a lot of qualities. They had some chances and they scored two; we had many and we made one. We expected this, but we are a very attacking team. We are a team that wants to attack and score goals, and on the other hand, today we were not well organised in the remaining defence and Forbs has a lot of qualities with his speed. Then he scores a goal, and that is a shame for us," Mauro explained, as relayed by PSV Inside .
His comments underline the balance PSV must find between maintaining their attacking identity and ensuring they are properly protected when opponents break forward. Against Club Brugge, their failure to manage those transitions proved costly.
![PSV arenow facing a demanding trip to the Spanish capital on 24 November to take on Real Madrid [IMAGO/Pro Shots]](https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/04afcb1fbf317df1facbdcf73f2d7ae5d176b3e63c5b006cf965102149923469/lightyear_networkapi/resizefill_w960%3Bquality_80%3Bformat_webp/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Froundtable_sports_psv_eindhoven_320%2F331b8e2b81860ce8c10ff000698b9d82.jpg)
PSV arenow facing a demanding trip to the Spanish capital on 24 November to take on Real Madrid [IMAGO/Pro Shots]
PSV Captain Refuses to Give Up on Champions League Hopes
Attention now turns to Real Madrid , with PSV facing a demanding trip to the Spanish capital on 24 November. Atletico Madrid will then visit Eindhoven, leaving Bosz's side with two major tests as they attempt to improve their position in the competition.
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Mauro recognises the difficulty of the upcoming challenge but has no intention of accepting an early exit. The captain believes PSV must respond positively and approach the next fixture with the conviction that they can still collect valuable points.
"We must keep our heads up and look ahead to the next match. We get a new chance to play in Madrid. That won't be an easy match, but we still have the idea that we can get points there to qualify," he concluded.
PSV have work to do after surrendering points at home to Club Brugge. Their captain's message, however, is clear: the disappointment must be put aside, and the team must take its next opportunity in the Champions League.
