Phillip Cocu frustrated with PSV Eindhoven schedule after midweek trip to Russia

30 September 2016 14:35

PSV Eindhoven coach Phillip Cocu would have liked more time to prepare for Saturday's Eredivisie match at Heerenveen after a tough midweek European schedule.

Cocu, though, knows his team cannot afford to slip up on their trip to Friesland.

PSV travelled out to Russia for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Rostov, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

PSV had requested the Heerenveen game be put back to Sunday, which was declined by the hosts.

With his side already five points behind Feyenoord, who have a 100% domestic league record so far, Cocu accepts while the kick-off time is not ideal, his men must deliver.

"We have been mainly engaged in recovery. We had a long journey. We have looked back on the (Rostov) match once and on Friday had a very short training session," Cocu said, quoted on the club's official website, www.psv.nl.

"Despite the short preparation, victory is necessary to keep along with the top places. This is an important game. Heerenveen are a good side and this competition is not easy."

Cocu believes the Dutch Football Association should have the final say on any fixture change requests.

He added: "I find it understandable that Heerenveen does not want (to change), but I think we need to ensure that such decisions no longer lie with the clubs.

"It would be better for Dutch football to have it adjusted in the future."

PSV have received a blow after midfielder Jorrit Hendrix suffered a knee injury against Rostov, and is set for several weeks on the sidelines.

Cocu said: "This is bad news. I don't have to make it clear how frustrating this is.

"A football player wants to play football and not spend time in rehabilitation, but unfortunately there is no other option left but to work hard to get fit again and come back stronger."

Saturday's other Eredivisie matches see Vitesse host Groningen and Roda JC look for their first Eredivisie win of the season at home against NEC Nijmegen while Go Ahead Eagles meet Excelsior.

Like PSV, both Ajax and Feyenoord were in European action this week, playing their Europa League ties on Thursday evening.

Ajax, who start the weekend second above PSV on goal difference, host Utrecht on Sunday morning looking to extend a seven-match winning run in all competitions having defeated Standard Liege to move to the top of Europa League Group G.

Head coach Peter Bosz said to AjaxTV: "The points on Sunday will go to which team dominates and takes the initiative, and I know Utrecht will make things difficult for us."

Feyenoord manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst must pick his players up from the disappointment of losing 1-0 away at Fenerbahce when the Eredivisie leaders travel to Willem II, having seen a run of nine victories brought to an end.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Heracles Almelo tackle Twente and Sparta Rotterdam play AZ Alkmaar.

Source: PA-WIRE