Bosz Reflects After 2-2 Draw with Arsenal and Champions League Exit: 'Disappointment, but Positivity Prevails'
The Champions League journey for PSV reached its conclusion on Wednesday night following a 2-2 stalemate against Arsenal. Coach Peter Bosz expressed his mixed emotions, stating, "The exit is disappointing, but the positive aspects prevail."
The relief was palpable for Bosz, as he noted that there was no repeat of the humiliating 1-7 defeat suffered in Eindhoven. "You hope they have a bit of fire in their bellies, saying, 'never again'. They should feel ashamed. They must learn from that," he stated.
Reflecting on PSV's twelve-match Champions League campaign, Bosz highlighted the thrilling moments, particularly the unforgettable home game against Shakhtar, where they turned a 0-2 deficit into a remarkable 3-2 victory just minutes from time. "Bizarre," he described the encounter.
Yet, the coach was quick to acknowledge the 1-7 loss as a significant low point. "That contrast is stark. Hence, Iโm particularly pleased with how we performed in today's match,โ he added.
Defender Armando Obispo commented on the team's determination to prove that last week's debacle was merely an anomaly. "This was a different PSV than the one from last week. As a team, we wanted to show we would not sink to such depths again," he shared.
Substitutes also made a mark, with Couhaib Driouech scoring the equaliser with a delightful chip shotโsomething he revealed he had mentally rehearsed before the match. "I visualised that moment beforehand; I knew I was going to chip it," he said with a smile.
However, it wasnโt a good night for Ismael Saibari, who was left out of the squad for arriving late for a team meeting. Bosz expressed his frustration, stating, "This isnโt the first time, nor the fifth. I was fed up with it and decided to leave him at the hotel. This is the toughest way to show him he let the team down." Though he reassured that he hadnโt given up on Saibari, he insisted, "Heโs a good lad, but he missed a brilliant match; it shouldnโt have happened."