Bosz Rewards Bajraktarevic With PSV Starting Role

PSV Eindhoven coach Peter Bosz has selected Esmir Bajraktarevic to start on the right wing against SC Heerenveen, rewarding the winger for his performances before the international break. Speaking to ESPN before Friday night's match, Bosz also explained his approach to the team's central attacking role, where Sven Mijnans and Guus Til were among the options under consideration.

Bajraktarevic earned the starting opportunity ahead of Dennis Man, despite nearly leaving PSV a month earlier. Bosz said the decision reflected the winger's contributions while Man was injured, emphasizing that performances during that period deserved recognition.

Explaining the selection, Bosz highlighted Bajraktarevic's form before the break and his ability to step in when Man was unavailable.

"I thought Bajraktarevic had done very well before the break. He performed very well when Dennis was injured. I think I have to reward that now. Dennis is such a good player that he will definitely get his minutes again," said Bosz.

Man remains part of the coach's plans, although Bajraktarevic received the nod for this match. Bosz indicated that the competition for playing time would continue as PSV manages its attacking options.

The striker position presented a separate tactical consideration for Bosz. Last season, Guus Til and Saibari developed an effective understanding in the attacking area, but the coach explained that the arrangement would be different with Mijnans involved.

Bosz stressed that his priority was to use players in roles suited to their individual strengths rather than focus exclusively on who occupied the central position.

"We need to apply pressure and have enough players positioned in the attacking areas," Bosz said when discussing how the forward line should function.

He also addressed the differences between Mijnans and the previous attacking combination, explaining that the players would need to work together to make the system effective.

"Mijnans is a very different player. You always try to get the best out of your players. I don't mind who plays as the striker. They have to work it out together," Bosz said.

The selection decisions came as PSV returned to domestic competition against SC Heerenveen following the international break. Bajraktarevic's inclusion provided a clear example of Bosz rewarding recent performances while keeping Man in contention for further playing time.