Phillip Cocu is returning to work at PSV. The 55-year-old Eindhove resident will return to the football club as Top Sport Manager on December 1. Cocu was previously also a player and coach for the reigning national champions. The former international will be responsible for the flow of talents to the first team.
Cocu will mainly focus on players between the ages of 17 and 21. He will set up a talent program that focuses on the club’s philosophy. He will also keep an eye on players on loan from PSV.
From player to coach
Phillip Cocu played 262 games for PSV between 1995 and 2007. In two spells at the club, the midfielder won the Eredivisie four times, the cup twice and the Johan Cruijff Shield twice more. After ending his career in 2008, he started as a coach in the youth of PSV. The club icon eventually became head coach of the Eindhoven club in 2013 and became national champion three times.
Back in the familiar nest
In 2018, Cocu, born in the Eindhoven district of Tongelre, left PSV and was still a trainer at Turkish Fenerbahçe, Derby County and Vitesse. After seven years, the 101-time international returns to Eindhoven.
Earnest Steward, Director of Football Affairs at PSV, is happy with Cocu’s return: “Phillip is a club legend who knows the ropes and knows from his own experience what it takes to succeed at PSV. With his appointment, we are taking the next step in guiding our greatest talents to the first team.”