Obliged to Triumph: PSV Coach Peter Bosz Declares Defeat is Not an Option Against Ajax

PSV Eindhoven’s head coach, Peter Bosz, emphasised that it is the team’s ‘obligation’ to secure a victory against Ajax this Sunday as they strive for back-to-back Eredivisie titles.

Currently, PSV sits six points adrift of Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie standings and will be up against the league leaders this Sunday in Eindhoven. Unlike Ajax’s manager, Francesco Farioli, Bosz has firmly acknowledged the significance of the forthcoming clash.

“It is our duty to win,” stated Bosz. “We absolutely need to win. A loss would leave us nine points behind, and a draw wouldn’t do us any favours. We must claim victory at home and apply full pressure on Ajax.”

“There’s a palpable intensity in our training sessions, and the quality is extremely high. I’m eagerly anticipating Sunday. Competing in front of our home supporters gives us an additional edge, which could play to our advantage.”

Bosz, who previously managed Ajax during the 2016-17 season and led them to the UEFA Europa League final, has expressed that he’s not particularly impressed with Ajax’s current style of play.

“However, it’s not my place to comment extensively on that,” Bosz remarked. “They manage to win often, even if it’s by narrow margins. At the top level, teams shouldn’t have significant drops in form.”

“They maintain a consistent performance level, which is strategic. That’s why they sit at the summit. We must accept where we are and work to turn things around. We’re committed to achieving that.”

Tuberculosis Concerns

This week, PSV was struck by a tuberculosis scare when Spanish forward Lucas Perez tested positive for the disease. “The doctor called me, and it was a shock. You think of the player, and it’s terrible news. It has been a major topic over the last few days, but thankfully we are back to focusing on football now.”

On a brighter note, the club received positive news as American midfielder Malik Tillman was cleared to return to action against Ajax. Having dealt with an injury that sidelined him for nearly three months, he is set to make his return on Sunday.

“He feels fit and ready, but I’m not confirming whether he will start. We must temper our expectations of him and the recently recovered Sergiño Dest as they strive to regain their previous form.”