PSV Eindhoven has sacked coach Fred Rutten; the move was widely expected after the team's 3-1 defeat to NAC Breda on Sunday.

It was the club's third defeat in a row; they suffered a humiliating 6-2 defeat at the hands of Premier League rivals FC Twente and Valencia beat them 4-2 in the first leg of the Champions League final 16.

Rutten's assistant Erik ten Hag is also leaving the club. Despite the club's recent poor run, they are still fourth in the Dutch Premier league, just four points behind the leaders AZ Alkmaar.

At a press conference announcing the sackings, PSV said they "regret the inevitable parting and appreciate the tremendous effort and commitment they have shown.”

Former player Philip Cocu will take over as caretaker manager for the rest of the season. Ernest Faber will take over as head of team affairs until the summer.

Cocu has previously been an assistant to national team coach Bert van Marwijk.

(jric/ae)

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