World NewsCocu: PSV Problems 'Mostly Mental' |
Former PSV Eindhoven captain Phillip Cocu has put the team's stuttering start to the Eredivisie campaign down to a mental problem.
The defending champions lie fifth in the table and have lost four of their opening 10 matches - as many as they lost in the whole of last season."I think it's mostly a mental thing," Cocu told De Telegraaf. "One or two victories can change the feeling in their heads.
"The technical staff have an important role to play. But interaction between the group has to develop or it has to be there already. It is important to be close to each other and to communicate."
PSV coach Huub Stevens feels the communication on the pitch is suffering because several players cannot speak Dutch, but former Barcelona midfielder Cocu does not think this is the reason.
He said: "My experience is that (Mexican Carlos) Salcido and (Ecuadorian Edison) Mendez speak enough Dutch. They know the specific terms.
"I also don't have the idea that there are insurmountable problems. I do speak Spanish and they know that they can ask for my help if they have a problem. Up until now that hasn't happened."
PSV's next game is a tough-looking trip to title rivals Ajax, but Cocu thinks this could be a blessing.
"It may sound strange, but the pressure for that kind of game is far less," he added.
"PSV must always win, but if it doesn't happen against such clubs people understand that. They must make use of that."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
Have YOUR say - What do you think about "Cocu: PSV Problems 'Mostly Mental'"? Tell us NOW in the comment section below.
Have you got a scoop? Tell us about it and you could be the first to break the news on FourFourTwo.
