PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz has appointed Brazilian versatile player Mauro Junior as the team's new captain, following a severe injury to primary captain Jerdy Schouten.
Schouten suffered a torn cruciate ligament during an Eredivisie match against FC Utrecht. He underwent surgery and will be sidelined for six to nine months.
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New Leadership Hierarchy
Bosz reshuffled the leadership hierarchy by naming Mauro Junior first captain. Ivan Perisic becomes second captain, and Joey Veerman third captain during Schouten's absence.
Mauro Junior has made 200 official appearances for PSV since his 2017 debut. He comes off a career-best season with eleven assists.
"I don't think I'm made for that, to be a captain. I can be one without wearing the armband," said Veerman.
Despite his new role, Mauro Junior holds a contract release clause of approximately 12 million euros.
Club watcher Rik Elfrink reports interest from Fenerbahce and FC Porto this summer.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old center-back Armando Obispo remains with the squad after a proposed transfer to RC Lens collapsed due to unmet financial demands, confirmed by technical director Earnest Stewart.
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"I felt it crack," said Schouten about his injury.
The club considers any matches Schouten can play later this season as a bonus. Bosz prepares for upcoming fixtures amid squad uncertainties.
"For me, the feeling prevailed: how is Jerdy doing?" said Bosz.
He noted that celebrating the victory did not feel appropriate given the severity of Schouten's setback.
"As the current captain, I do my best to push the players. We are hungry for a victory," said Mauro Junior.
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Schouten will automatically reclaim the primary captaincy once he fully recovers.
