Phillip Cocu speaks the players’ language

Assistant coach Jan Wouters of PSV is explaining a training practice. Phillip Cocu walks over to Edison Mendez, standing on the edge of the pitch. Cocu explains the practice in Spanish. The midfielder nods his head and joins the group. The training is executed without any pauses.

After an intense 2,5 hour training session, led by interim coach Lodeweges, Cocu says his Spanish language skills, learned at Barcelona of course, is a nice bonus.

Whatever you call it, the Spanish talking members of the group in Eindhoven are delighted to have a man in the coaching staff – since Ronald Koeman – who understands their culture and language. On the first trainingsday with Cocu, his added value has been proven.

Not so long ago, Cocu was merely one of them. Amongst the lads instead of in front of them. “That’s an advantage for me. They know me, they trust me. We’ve been through a lot together and there’s no bullshit. I think everybody is happy I’m part of it now.”

Which is the reason why general manager Jan Reker asked Cocu to move up a spot. Cocu started as youth coach with PSV but also did some practicum work for his studies with Huub Stevens and the first team.

“This is a good step for me,” thinks Cocu, who’ll stay assistant team manager for Oranje as well. “I can help the club and I learn a lot. I had to give up the youth coaching, which is sad. But I couldn’t do it all. I’m Dwight’s assistant now, with Jan Wouters, and we support him. We’ll do everything we can to turn this into a good season.”

It’s just part time till the end of the season. “I don’t want to commit to anything. I won’t be the new head coach here, that’s for sure. I’ve read some stuff in the media, but no… That’s not in line with my plan. I have a lot to learn and starting in that role in Eindhoven is much too early. And next year, I want to focus on Oranje and the WC, provided that we qualify of course.”

But he does want to add this: “Training and coaching is good fun. When I played, I always wondered if I would like being the coach… I really didn’t think so. But I am really enjoying myself, which is why I felt this step up was a good one to do.”