Whilst PSV began their training camp in Malta, local journalist Gianluca Lia caught a quick word with coach Phillip Cocu about their chances in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.

cocu malta

Boasting more than 300 appearances as a player for both PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona combined together, Phillip Cocu now symbolizes the modern school of Dutch coaching. Following his appointment back in 2012, the former Netherlands midfielder has left his mark by reigniting the pride that PSV’s fans thought it was vanished, having last won the title back in 2007-2008. The 2014-2015’s season triumph was the confirmation of Cocu’s impressive work at the helm of the team. Although he could count on important quality players such as Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum, Cocu was intelligent in providing decent amount of playing time to young talents such as Steven Bergwijn without burning them quickly.

Philip Cocu developed his work and has successfully managed to put PSV Eindhoven into the elite 16 of the UEFA Champions League, having surpassed Manchester United in their group stage. As the Dutch giants have landed in Mediterranean island of Malta for a short training camp prior their important commitments in both Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League, Cocu hopes to be inspired by the Maltese climate and find the right tune to orchestrate his team in the second half of the season.

Here is what the Dutch coach said following PSV’s first training session at the Corradino Stadium, Paola: ”Atletico Madrid are good opponents. Top of the table in Spain and at this stage of the UEFA Champions League, you play against tough opponents but we are going to fight for our chances in both games and at the end we will see if we can surprise everybody again”.

(Photo via Domenic Aquilina)




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