Proud Cocu gets the farewell he deserves…

Phillip Cocu’s testimonial was one big party for the former PSV, Barca and Oranje midfielder and a reunion for many ex internationals.

We covered the game earlier – Team Cocu lost 5-1 vs PSV – but I’ve got some more photo’s here.

And some questions for Cocu:

So, you play your own farewell game and you get to take a penalty and then..you miss!

Cocu: “Yeah, haha… I can’t really blame myself, you know. I have proven in the past I’m not the best at this. But I highly enjoyed this day. It was great to be out there one more time and have fun with mates. It was much more emotional than I thought it would be…”

These games aren’t about the score or the result and basically not even about the game. It was to give all involved one more shot at seeing (fans) Cocu play or playing (mates) with him. It was to be Cocu’s little party, after 189 official games for PSV, with 54 goals. It was a testimonial like they do them in England. All great players get one, but Cocu was only the third PSV player – after Willy van der Kerkhof and Hans van Breukelen – to receive one.

Dennis Bergkamp received his testimonial three years back in London, with Arsenal. The Cocu game brought back the precious memories: “I spoke to Phillip last week and I told him what to expect. It’s quite a lot of work and organizing beforehand and it really drains you emotionally, but once you walk onto the pitch is just massively fun.” The former Ajax, Inter and Arsenal striker played both halfs. “The first half was somewhat sluggish from my part, but the second half was alright.

And the fans highly enjoyed it. The saves of Waterreus, the goal attempts of Kluivert and Senden, the gymnastics jump of Arthur Numan after he fell, Figo’s early goal and basically all ball contacts by Cocu himself.

The vibe in the stadium was tremendous, despite the 5-1 loss, and the fans kept on chanting: “We love you Phillip, we do we do…”. In the 84th minute, Jan Wouters was ready to come on. Cocu’s three sons – Raoul, Delano and Senna – held up the sign with number 8 and the stadium exploded. The players formed a honorary row and while Hiddink embraced the ex-Oranje star, Stam and Kluivert took him on their strong shoulders. With cracks in his voice, he’d later thanks the fans, PSV, his family and friends and old team mates for the tremendous support over the years.

After the game, Guus Hiddink speaks about a special game. “What a pro he was. Is, I should say. He still is fit and lean and mean. I didn’t need to work today, coaching wasn’t required. The old farts didn’t need it, and they proved they can still let the ball do the work.”

Doesn’t Hiddink feel Cocu should have scored? “Oh no… With a striker who says goodbye, you might expect him to score one more time, but Cocu was a serious, hardworking dedicated player and we’ve seen that again today. He didn’t want a free lunch and a play-group goal… That wouldn’t have been right. You know, him missing that penalty was really good and symbolic and all that. Brings back memories of 1998, when we had a superb team, only to be beaten on penalties. Luinge was easy with this penalty decision so I really feel Phillip did well to miss it, hahahaaa….”

Guus Hiddink also looked into the future when discussing the 101 times capped player. “Phillip will make a great coach, I’m sure. He has it all. He sees football, he just has that gift. His communication skills are wonderful and he doesn’t have an ego.”

Dennis Bergkamp worked with Cocu on the Course Pro Football Coach in Zeist: “I obviously knew Phillip well before that, but during the course it appeared that we have a lot in common. We always shared rooms, so we grew close and all that… If I have to typecast him, I’d say Phil is a pro in everything he does. He’s serious, committed and responsible. He will always give the full 100%.”

Ernest Faber is one of Phillip’s best buddies and his ex-team mate at PSV. He also joined Phillip and Dennis at the course. “Phillip is a warm and friendly bloke. He loves learning – you know he got his degree while playing for PSV? – and he’s allround. He’s interested in football, sure, but also in nutrition and management and all that. I love it that PSV organized this for him. He’s a club icon and he deserves this. I think we should take over that English tradition and honor our best players like this.”

Guus Hiddink was happy to fly to Holland for this. “Cocu was one of the leaders in Oranje, particularly in 1998. He was important for me and the team since he kept everyone grounded. He’s a kind and warm guy, but when someone would threaten the team spirit, Phillip would stand up. He was very gifted but always played simple. He combined the skills of Neeskens, Jansen and Van Hanegem in one player. He could work, he could sacrifice himself, he could direct the game, read the game and score. Phillip was a good header, had a good shot, an eye for the assist and a great pass. With Phillip, you always knew how good he really was when he didn’t play. Then suddenly something was off… He always was a wise old man in the body of a young God…”