Cocu delighted with PSV new-boys

PSV Eindhoven boss Phillip Cocu has hailed the club’s close-season acquisitions for their contribution to his side’s flying start.

The Eredivisie outfit have lost a number of prominent stars during the transfer window, with the likes of Dries Mertens, Kevin Strootman and Erik Pieters all moving on to new pastures.

However, Cocu’s men have enjoyed an impressive opening to the 2013-14 campaign, winning their first three fixtures in the Dutch top flight to take an early lead at the summit.

And, with recent signings Florian Jozefzoon, Adam Maher and Karim Rekik featuring prominently in that run, the 42-year-old has declared himself pleased with PSV’s business.

“At PSV we’re used to the fact that players leave our club. More players left than usual this year,” he said.

“You need to cope with that as soon as possible. It’s difficult to form a team again. But I’m really satisfied about the progression. The players at those positions proved to be a good replacement. The whole team did a good job.”

PSV face Milan in the first leg of the sides’ UEFA Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday, and Cocu expects his charges to be fully tested.

“As far as Milan is concerned, we’re not just going to try to stop (Mario) Balotelli. We have to beat AC Milan in two matches. That’s our goal, our task and our challenge,” he added.

“I think we can be satisfied about the progression we’ve made and the belief we have, but we shouldn’t exaggerate. We’re playing against an absolute great team with a lot of individual qualities and qualities as a group.

“What I’ve seen from them was a very high level. We shouldn’t think to easy about that now. Like: ‘We’re playing Milan and we’re in great form’. No It’s just a great test for us against a very good team. And I’m very curious if we can match Milan.”