PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Matej Kovář has addressed the criticism he has received from sections of the club’s fanbase, insisting that he remains focused on his performances rather than outside opinions.
The Czech international produced several important saves during PSV’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig on Tuesday, keeping Peter Bosz’s side in contention before Brajan Gruda’s 75th-minute strike proved decisive.
Despite his individual contribution, PSV left Germany empty-handed, extending their frustrating start to the European campaign. For Kovář, the narrow defeat was particularly difficult to accept because his team had done enough to believe a positive result was possible.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, as quoted by Voetbal International, the goalkeeper reflected on the disappointment of losing such a closely contested match.
Kovář Frustrated After PSV Miss Out On Points
Kovář acknowledged that PSV had opportunities to take something from Leipzig, making the eventual defeat harder to digest.
“It is one of those matches that you think you can take something from, but you go home empty-handed. That is a frustrating feeling,” he said.
“If you lose 3-0, then you accept it and take it as it is. But now it was only 1-0, and it is a bit harder to swallow.”
The goalkeeper was called into action on several occasions at the Red Bull Arena, producing important interventions to prevent Leipzig from establishing a more comfortable advantage.
However, he could do little to change the outcome when Gruda’s effort found the net in the second half. The strike ended PSV’s hopes of leaving Germany with a valuable Champions League result.
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Despite the disappointment, Kovář was clear about his responsibilities between the posts, explaining that being regularly involved in the action helped him maintain his concentration.
“It is my job to help the team and keep the balls out of the goal. If you have more to do, then you are more focused,” the goalkeeper explained.
“It is always better than just shouting and doing nothing. This gives a better feeling.”
His performance against Leipzig offered a reminder of the importance of his role in Bosz’s team, particularly when PSV are under pressure against strong opposition.
Nevertheless, the result meant his saves were not enough to prevent another disappointing European evening for the Eindhoven club.
Kovář Responds To Criticism From PSV Supporters
Kovář has faced scrutiny from sections of the PSV fanbase since arriving at the club, with his performances attracting debate among supporters. His standing with the club’s technical staff, however, has been different from the criticism directed at him by some fans.
The goalkeeper made it clear that the outside noise has little influence on his approach, stressing that his attention remains on the expectations of his teammates and coaching staff.
“Honestly speaking, it doesn't bother me that much what people say. I'm just focused on what my teammates and the staff ask of me. I really don't care about the rest,” he said, as quoted by PSV Inside.
He then added a pointed observation about the scrutiny surrounding modern footballers: “Everyone has an opinion these days.”
Kovář’s response suggests he has no intention of allowing criticism to distract him from his responsibilities at PSV. His display against Leipzig provided several positives on an otherwise frustrating night, even though Gruda’s late winner ultimately decided the contest.
For Bosz’s side, the immediate challenge remains turning encouraging spells and individual performances into results as their Champions League campaign continues.
