PSV (http://www.theinfostride.com/classicfootball/clubs/club=32888/index.html) Eindhoven managing director Tiny Sanders has admitted the club sacked Fred Rutten (http://www.theinfostride.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=57235/index.html) despite his popularity with the players.
Rutten was axed as coach this morning and replaced by former player Phillip Cocu (http://www.theinfostride.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=161077/index.html) and Ernest Faber until the end of the season. Rutten's contract had been due to expire in the summer but was terminated early following three successive heavy defeats which have threatened to end the club's hopes of silverware.
Yesterday's 3-1 defeat at lowly NAC Breda followed a thumping 6-2 home reverse against title rivals FC Twente to leave them four points adrift of Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar.
In between, a 4-2 defeat at Valencia left PSV (http://www.theinfostride.com/classicfootball/clubs/club=32888/index.html) on the brink of elimination from the UEFA Europa League. That prompted the club's decision and, while some players have since expressed their disappointment at Rutten's departure, Sanders said a change had to be made.
"That Rutten enjoyed the support of the majority of the players did not matter to the board," he said at a press conference this afternoon.
fifa.com