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One of the more poignant aspects of PSV Eindhoven's 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool FC on Tuesday was that it may well turn out to be Phillip Cocu's last UEFA Champions League game at the PSV Stadium. Cocu, already a veteran of 78 matches in Europe's top club competition with PSV and FC Barcelona, has not stated he will stop playing at the end of the season. But with his 37th birthday looming in October, many feel this summer a memorable career may cease. Of course, if the former international capped 101 times by the Netherlands can remain fit and the flesh is still willing, he could continue to perform - and shine - at the highest level. Otherwise a job at the club in another capacity surely beckons.
Fraught title defence
For the moment he remains fully focused on his team's increasingly fraught Eredivisie title defence. PSV lead AFC Ajax by three points but are clearly not in form, struggling to cope with a growing injury list, and have - on paper at least - a tougher run-in than their Amsterdam rivals. "We just have to start winning again," Cocu said. "This Saturday [away to NEC Nijmegen] would be the perfect opportunity. I know we haven't really played well since the winter break, but we must remain positive. I think one of the main problems is that our squad is a bit thin in places. We don't have the same depth of choice as a club like Liverpool."
Gulf in class
That became painfully apparent when Ronald Koeman's side were brushed aside with comparative ease by their English opponents. "We did quite well in the first half, but after the break I didn't even get the feeling we were in the match," said the PSV captain. "After their third goal we just felt powerless. They have a lot of class in their team. In the end the gulf between the two teams was simply too wide. That's about the only conclusion I can draw."
Chief influence
Since beginning his second stint in Eindhoven in 2004, Cocu has become arguably the team's most influential player and has rarely turned in even an average performance during the last three seasons, the first two of which brought league titles. Cocu is one of those select few whose mere presence inspires those around him to play better. He also thrives on the big stage; his two strikes against AC Milan in the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg took his side agonisingly close to the final in Istanbul, though PSV were pipped on away goals.
Midfield revamp
Immediately after that wonderful season the club lost almost its entire midfield; Milan signed Johan Vogel, Mark van Bommel joined Barcelona, and Park Ji-Sung could not resist the lure of Manchester United FC. It speaks volumes for Cocu that his continued presence was the foundation for a new PSV middle line, in which emerging talents such as Ibrahim Afellay and Ismaïl Aissati flourished and clearly benefited from his tutelage.
Versatile
As a youngster Cocu modelled himself on Michel Platini, who he described as the "complete midfielder". Cocu has not done a bad job of becoming one himself - and more. Usually to be found in the middle, he has also played on the left, as full-back and up front. In the crucial Eredivisie confrontation with NAC Breda at the end of March, Cocu even deputised in central defence. As early as the first minute he could be seen making a critical sliding intervention, and on more than one occasion he would win possession and stride elegantly forward in a style reminiscent of Alan Hansen or even Franz Beckenbauer.
Family ties
Born in Eindhoven, Cocu is not the only family member to grace the local football scene; his father is chairman of one of the city's oldest amateur clubs, DBS, whose initials stand for 'Strength through brotherhood'. However Cocu junior made his professional debut at AZ Alkmaar, aged just 18, before moving a year later to BV Vitesse, where he played 137 times and scored 25 goals, including the one he describes as the best of his career, a long-range swerver that found the top corner against Belgian side KV Mechelen in the 1992/93 UEFA Cup. He then spent three years at PSV, followed by six seasons with Barcelona, winning the domestic championship once with each club in that period.
Decision
At the start of this season Cocu said: "We have new players, a new coach and a new formation; let's just see how far we can go." You got the feeling he found out on Tuesday. PSV will probably have to make some significant changes during the summer if they are to move on. Phillip Cocu might have the same feeling about himself. Before then, though, there is still much to be done on the pitch as the Eredivisie reaches a thrilling climax.
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LEGEND no doubt
The Road is shortening .. a future coach.
Fraught title defence
For the moment he remains fully focused on his team's increasingly fraught Eredivisie title defence. PSV lead AFC Ajax by three points but are clearly not in form, struggling to cope with a growing injury list, and have - on paper at least - a tougher run-in than their Amsterdam rivals. "We just have to start winning again," Cocu said. "This Saturday [away to NEC Nijmegen] would be the perfect opportunity. I know we haven't really played well since the winter break, but we must remain positive. I think one of the main problems is that our squad is a bit thin in places. We don't have the same depth of choice as a club like Liverpool."
Gulf in class
That became painfully apparent when Ronald Koeman's side were brushed aside with comparative ease by their English opponents. "We did quite well in the first half, but after the break I didn't even get the feeling we were in the match," said the PSV captain. "After their third goal we just felt powerless. They have a lot of class in their team. In the end the gulf between the two teams was simply too wide. That's about the only conclusion I can draw."
Chief influence
Since beginning his second stint in Eindhoven in 2004, Cocu has become arguably the team's most influential player and has rarely turned in even an average performance during the last three seasons, the first two of which brought league titles. Cocu is one of those select few whose mere presence inspires those around him to play better. He also thrives on the big stage; his two strikes against AC Milan in the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg took his side agonisingly close to the final in Istanbul, though PSV were pipped on away goals.
Midfield revamp
Immediately after that wonderful season the club lost almost its entire midfield; Milan signed Johan Vogel, Mark van Bommel joined Barcelona, and Park Ji-Sung could not resist the lure of Manchester United FC. It speaks volumes for Cocu that his continued presence was the foundation for a new PSV middle line, in which emerging talents such as Ibrahim Afellay and Ismaïl Aissati flourished and clearly benefited from his tutelage.
Versatile
As a youngster Cocu modelled himself on Michel Platini, who he described as the "complete midfielder". Cocu has not done a bad job of becoming one himself - and more. Usually to be found in the middle, he has also played on the left, as full-back and up front. In the crucial Eredivisie confrontation with NAC Breda at the end of March, Cocu even deputised in central defence. As early as the first minute he could be seen making a critical sliding intervention, and on more than one occasion he would win possession and stride elegantly forward in a style reminiscent of Alan Hansen or even Franz Beckenbauer.
Family ties
Born in Eindhoven, Cocu is not the only family member to grace the local football scene; his father is chairman of one of the city's oldest amateur clubs, DBS, whose initials stand for 'Strength through brotherhood'. However Cocu junior made his professional debut at AZ Alkmaar, aged just 18, before moving a year later to BV Vitesse, where he played 137 times and scored 25 goals, including the one he describes as the best of his career, a long-range swerver that found the top corner against Belgian side KV Mechelen in the 1992/93 UEFA Cup. He then spent three years at PSV, followed by six seasons with Barcelona, winning the domestic championship once with each club in that period.
Decision
At the start of this season Cocu said: "We have new players, a new coach and a new formation; let's just see how far we can go." You got the feeling he found out on Tuesday. PSV will probably have to make some significant changes during the summer if they are to move on. Phillip Cocu might have the same feeling about himself. Before then, though, there is still much to be done on the pitch as the Eredivisie reaches a thrilling climax.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGEND no doubt
The Road is shortening .. a future coach.
