PSV Eindhoven winger Ivan Perisic insists that his club must translate domestic success onto the continental stage as they prepare to host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Philips Stadion. The Croatian international emphasized that the Dutch champions are fully primed to make a major impact in the Champions League following three consecutive Eredivisie titles.
Ivan Perisic Demands European Improvement as PSV Prepares for Shakhtar Donetsk
“We have become three-time consecutive champions, so this season is the right moment to take a step forward and do something more in the Champions League,” Perisic stated. He added that the upcoming fixture represents a crucial home match for the squad.
Banning Early Group Stage Setbacks at Philips Stadion
PSV enters the fixture aiming to break a persistent opening-round trend in European competition. The Dutch side has lost its opening group game in each of its previous five Champions League campaigns. Making their 20th appearance in the tournament’s main phase—surpassing Ajax’s national record—the club knows a fast start is vital.
Reflecting on past performances, Perisic stressed that the team cannot afford a slow start in front of their home supporters. Securing three points is the primary objective to avoid repeating the early setbacks that hindered them last season. Historical data shows that Shakhtar Donetsk has struggled on Dutch soil, winning just once in five previous visits to Eredivisie clubs. However, memories remain fresh of their 2024 encounter, where PSV staged a late comeback to win 3-2 after trailing until the 86th minute.
Squad Unity and Defensive Backing for Ruben van Bommel
Beyond tactical preparations, Perisic used his pre-match media availability to defend young teammate Ruben van Bommel. Following media scrutiny over a heavy tackle during domestic action last weekend, the veteran winger stepped forward to protect the forward.
Perisic described the incident as a late challenge in a normal duel rather than an act of malicious intent. “Ruben is a good kid who felt very guilty and sad,” Perisic noted, confirming that the squad remains tightly united. He added that the competitive intensity displayed in domestic matches is exactly what the team must replicate in Europe.