Derby County has confirmed that the Dutchman has signed a four-year deal with the Championship side.
Cocu, 48, has flown out to Florida to join the first-team for a 10-day training camp, where he will see his new side in action against Sarasota Metropolis and Bristol City.
The new manager will be joined by Chris van der Weerden, who will be the new Assistant Manager, and Twan Scheepers. Shay Given will be a familiar face in the backroom staff and will continue role as the Head Goalkeeping Coach.
The former Barcelona captain had an illustrious playing career in midfield, racking up 598 appearances and 122 goals in his 20-year career.
His most memorable playing days were with the Spanish side. Cocu racked up an impressive 205 appearances which was the most by a foreign player in a Barcelona side before Lionel Messi joined.
In his managerial career, Cocu has found relative success. He has six honours to his name while he managed PSV and boasts an impressive 65%-win rate over 220 games in his spell from 2013-2018. However, his recent venture to Fenerbahce didn’t end quite the same way and he was dismissed after just 16 games.
The 48-year old’s style of play has been described as attacking and positive play, which would continue the mantra set out by Frank Lampard before he left for Chelsea. It can lead to games with very high scores, as seen with his PSV side who scored 466 in his 220 games in charge. The appointment is one that should spark excitement for Derby fans as a blend of style and experience are implemented.
Cocu's first league game in charge will see Derby take on recently relegated Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium on Monday 5th August.
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