Cocu satisfied with PSV progress

PSV coach Phillip Cocu is confident in his new-look team as they prepare to take on AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League play-off.

The Dutch giants have had several high-profile players move on in the off-season, including Dries Mertens, Kevin Strootman and Marcelo.

But Cocu was confident that the replacements, such as €8million AZ Alkmaar midfielder Adam Maher, would adequately fill the void.

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

“You need to cope with that as soon as possible and it’s difficult to form a team again.

“But I’m really satisfied about the progression and the players (signed) at those positions will prove to be good replacements.”

Ahead of the first leg against Milan in the Philips Stadion on Tuesday, Cocu was wary of the threat the seven-time European champions pose, insisting that they would focus on the whole team and not individual players.

“We’re not just going to try to stop (Mario) Balotelli,” he said.

“We have to beat AC Milan in two matches – that’s our goal, our task and our challenge.

“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 and we shouldn’t think too easy about that now.”

The Dutch side travel to the San Siro for the return leg on August 28.