Phillip Cocu is the subject of as much pity as he is criticism from Derby County supporters. The club’s poor start to the season got worse on Tuesday, with a 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town.
Had his management career continued the way it went with PSV then there’s a good chance he would have been managing a team in European competition this week, rather than clinging on at a club 21st in the Championship.
When the Dutchman took over at Derby, the media in his own country were concerned. Having gone through a complete nightmare at Fenerbahce, largely not of his own doing, there was worry he may not get the backing required at the English club.
They believe he ‘didn’t stand a chance’ this season, being forced to rely so much on young players. Those he was allowed to bring in haven’t been of the required standard, and AD believe failure was just a matter of time.
After the axe falls, it will be interesting to see what Cocu says to the Dutch media when inevitably quizzed on his Derby woes.
