Phillip Cocu confident PSV can build on latest Eredivisie win in title defence

28 October 2016 04:38

PSV Eindhoven head coach Phillip Cocu has warned his wounded Eredivisie champions are ready to take out their recent disappointments on an unsuspecting rival.

Cocu's side, recently trounced by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and knocked out of the KNVB Cup by Sparta Rotterdam on Tuesday, will chase only their second win in seven games in all competitions at Vitesse Arnhem on Saturday.

Despite last weekend's home league win against Sparta, PSV are in fourth place and currently trail Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord by seven points, but Cocu feels a big win is just around the corner.

"We may very well record an empathic victory shortly," the former Holland international told the club's official website.

"Strikers may end their goal drought all of a sudden. Every season witnesses high and lows. We have a point to prove to end a poor run."

Holland international goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet, also doubtful for Tuesday's return clash with Bayern, Jurgen Locadia, Siem de Jong and Luciano Narsingh will all miss the Vitesse clash through injury, but Cocu remains upbeat.

"We've analysed the (Sparta) game together and the players had their say in a team meeting," he added.

"I'm pleased with the squad's response and hope we will see a display of intensity on Saturday. We need to put in a passionate and spirited display against Vitesse."

Second-placed Ajax will look to close the five-point gap on Feyenoord, against whom they drew 1-1 at the De Kuip Stadium last Sunday, with a home victory against Excelsior, who have lost their last four league games.

Sparta will look to build on their cup success against PSV with a first league victory in five at Heracles, whose last Eredivisie win was back in August, while second-bottom Willem II chase their first home league triumph of the season against Groningen.

Source: PA