Cocu replaces Rutten at PSV reins

PSV have confirmed they have parted company with coach Fred Rutten following their poor recent form. Rutten had been expected to lose his job after yesterday's 3-1 defeat by NAC, which was the Eindhoven giants' third defeat in succession. And the club confirmed the news this afternoon, with former player Phillip Cocu stepping up from a backroom role to take the reins for the remainder of the season. Cocu will be joined by Ernest Faber in charge of team affairs until the summer, with the former PSV youth coach returning to the club from FC Eindhoven. Cocu's backroom colleague Erik ten Hag joins Rutten in departing the Eindhoven club. PSV announced the news at a press conference at the Philips Stadion this afternoon. "We regret the inevitable parting and appreciate the tremendous effort and commitment they have shown," said the club. Rutten leaves the club just four points off Eredivisie leaders AZ but on a poor run of form. Yesterday's defeat in Breda followed a 4-2 loss at Valencia in the UEFA Champions League last 16, first leg and a 6-2 hammering by rivals FC Twente. Around 200 supporters surrounded the team bus yesterday to voice their frustration at Rutten following the loss to struggling NAC, prompting the club's hierarchy to take action today