In the run-up to the fourth match in the UEFA Champions League, Peter Bosz and Armando Obispo provide an in-depth look at the match against Belgium’s Club Brugge. The head coach acknowledges that tomorrow’s opponent is in good form, but that does little to change PSV’s mindset: “We always want to win everything.”
Peter Bosz
In the UEFA Champions League, you have to win home games—or has that perspective changed due to Club Brugge’s current form?
“It’s not just home games. You always have to want to win everything. Regardless of the opponent and their form, regardless of your own form, and regardless of whether it’s an away or home game.”
What do you think of Club Brugge?
“They’re a good, interesting opponent. They have a recognizable style of play with a lot of young players. If you follow them, you know they play with attacking fullbacks, wingers who cut inside, and a striker who can hold up the ball. They have a good team.”
Belgian football is catching up to us. Why do you think that is?
“There’s always a lot of talent coming through. They have good, interesting youth players. But the same goes for us. Both countries are crazy about football; little boys often play football. I think it goes back and forth a bit as to which country is ahead.”
You hear more and more often that the role of a striker is changing. Old-school strikers are almost nonexistent anymore. Do you think a striker should primarily be a target man?
“As a coach, I look at the players I have. Luuk de Jong is different from Ricardo Pepi. You try to get the best out of both of them. So I don’t think, ‘I want a striker like that.’ No, I ask, ‘What do I have?’ That’s what matters.”
How far along is Pepi?
“Further along than he was three days ago. He’s played his first few minutes. But will he start in the starting lineup? In theory, anything is possible.”
How well has Carlos Forbes performed at Club Brugge?
“Yes, you often see that a player doesn’t pan out here in the Netherlands, and then everyone has an opinion. Then he’s not good enough. But as you can see, that doesn’t mean everything. And he’s proving it. He’s found his footing. They’re making full use of his strengths. Things like that can really make a difference.”
What did you think of Noah Fernandez’s interview, in which he said he was disappointed by the lack of opportunities?
“We were already wondering if this question would come up. In that interview, Noah took everything personally. He hopes to get another chance—that’s quite different from what’s been taken out of context now. But these days, it’s all about the views. Throughout the entire interview, he puts it very well.”
Peter, how would you rate Hans Vanaken’s skill level?
“A good player. It surprises me that he’s still playing for Brugge. It’s unusual for such a tall player to be the team’s playmaker. Usually, it’s the smaller players who fill that role. I would’ve loved to have him on the team, though, haha.”
Who’s the favorite?
“I don’t concern myself with that. I also don’t know how you measure that. I just want to win, and then we’ll see afterward who was better.”
Armando Obispo
Do you still have the drive to become a champion, or do you have to keep reigniting it?
“For me, it comes naturally. In PSV’s youth system, you’re always expected to become a champion and to win. The fact that we’ve managed to do that several times in a row doesn’t change that.”
Armando, it seems as though you’ve reached the peak of your career. Do you feel that way yourself?
“Yes, maybe so. I’m fit and available. That wasn’t always the case in the past. Now I’m in a good rhythm and I feel good, too. I live for it—maybe more than ever. I take my fitness very seriously.”
Does your chemistry with Lutsharel help you?
“We have great chemistry both on and off the field. That can certainly help us form a strong duo on the field.”
Do you ever still feel a knot in your stomach thinking about last summer?
“I was close to a transfer, but I didn’t mind much that it didn’t go through. Precisely because I know what I have here. I don’t need to leave here, because I’m happy here. So returning to PSV wasn’t a punishment.”
How does it feel to have been here for so long?
“It’s perhaps unique. When I look around, I’ve had the privilege of welcoming everyone here at some point. But that only gives me confidence.”
Are you still in touch with the old guard? Cody Gakpo and Jordan Teze , for example.
“Sure, the three of us still have a group chat. We discuss a lot of things there. We know each other well and don’t need many words to understand one another.”