Phillip Cocu

On September 4, 1996, Phillip Cocu made his debut for the Netherlands national football team in a World Cup qualifying match against Belarus. Cocu went on to become a pivotal player for the national team, earning 101 caps and scoring 10 goals over his international career, which spanned from 1996 to 2006. He participated in multiple major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championships and the FIFA World Cups.

Phillip Cocu played a significant role in the Netherlands' 1998 FIFA World Cup campaign. On July 7, 1998, he participated in the semi-final against Brazil, where the team fought hard but ultimately lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Cocu's contributions in the midfield were crucial throughout the tournament, helping the Netherlands reach the semi-finals and securing a fourth-place finish in the competition held in France.

On May 12, 2004, Phillip Cocu helped PSV Eindhoven clinch the Dutch Eredivisie title, adding the third league championship of his career with the club. Cocu's leadership and experience were vital for PSV as they dominated the league that season. He played as a central midfielder, providing both defensive stability and creative attacking options, and his performances were instrumental in securing the title.

Phillip Cocu won the KNVB Cup with PSV Eindhoven on May 19, 2007. The final against Ajax was closely contested, with PSV emerging victorious to lift the cup. This victory was part of Cocu's storied career with PSV, and he played a significant role in the team's success, showcasing his ability to perform in crucial matches and demonstrating his leadership on the field.

On July 1, 2013, Phillip Cocu was appointed as the head coach of PSV Eindhoven. Taking over as manager was a significant step in Cocu's career, having previously been involved with the club's youth teams and serving as an assistant coach. His appointment marked the beginning of a successful era for PSV, where Cocu led the team to multiple Eredivisie titles and brought a philosophy focused on developing young talents.

Phillip Cocu won his first Eredivisie title as the manager of PSV Eindhoven on April 18, 2015. Under his guidance, PSV secured the league championship with an impressive campaign marked by attacking football and solid defense. This victory was a testament to Cocu's managerial abilities, and it ended Ajax's four-year reign as the champions of the Netherlands. Cocu's emphasis on youth development also introduced several talented young players into the first team.

On April 30, 2016, Phillip Cocu led PSV Eindhoven to retain the Eredivisie title, securing back-to-back championships. Cocu's managerial tactics were crucial in achieving consistent performance throughout the season, and he was widely praised for his ability to motivate players and extract their best performances. The triumph was part of Cocu's successful tenure at PSV, where he established himself as one of the top managers in Dutch football.

Phillip Cocu secured his third Eredivisie title as the manager of PSV Eindhoven on May 6, 2018. His leadership and tactical acumen throughout the season were key factors in PSV's successful campaign. The team played attractive football and demonstrated resilience in challenging matches, which led them to triumph in the league once again under Cocu's stewardship, reaffirming his status as a top coach.

On June 22, 2018, Phillip Cocu was appointed the manager of Fenerbahçe, one of Turkey's most successful football clubs. This move marked Cocu's first managerial position outside the Netherlands and was seen as a significant step in his career. As he took over at Fenerbahçe, Cocu brought his extensive experience and a vision to develop the team into a dominant force in Turkish and European football. However, his tenure ended prematurely after a series of challenging results.

Phillip Cocu left his managerial position at Derby County on November 11, 2020, following a run of poor results in the Championship, the second tier of English football. Cocu joined Derby in 2019 and was tasked with leading the club to promotion, but his tenure was marked by struggles on the pitch, exacerbated by financial difficulties faced by the club. Cocu's departure was by mutual agreement as the club sought a fresh start to improve its fortunes.