Ruud van Nistelrooy has quit his role at PSV Eindhoven out of the blue despite recently underlining his desire to remain at the Dutch club.
The former Manchester United striker took charge of PSV, where he played between 1998 and 2001, back in March last year and has delivered two pieces of silverware in his short tenure. PSV have missed on the Eredivisie title, finishing second to Feyenoord.
Van Nistelrooy has now walked out before the season's end citing a "lack of support" from the board as his reasoning. It leaves him without a job and his assistant, Fred Rutten, taking over on a temporary basis. The Dutchman had done work in the youth ranks but his role with PSV was his first attempt at taking the top job.
The 46-year-old was discussing his next move with former team-mate Gary Neville in a recent episode of the Overlap, during which he made it known that he wanted to be at PSV for the long haul with more silverware on his radar - only to have a change of heart since.
He said: “My ambition, I have to say, that it's here at PSV. I cannot see anything else. This is something I really want to accomplish and build on and get this club back at the highest level, competing for trophies and especially getting back into the Champions League.”
Reports state that Van Nistelrooy had a strained relationship with his two assistants - Rutten and Andre Ooijer. His relationships with the players had also become increasingly tense, which was clear for all to see despite the capture of the Dutch Cup recently.
PSV need to avoid defeat against AZ Alkmaar this weekend to ensure they do qualify for the Champions League, but will have to do so following a week of turmoil with Van Nistelrooy informing the players of his decision following a board meeting.
A club statement read: "After several discussions about internal affairs that have taken place in recent weeks, a meeting was held on Tuesday evening between the Board of Directors and Van Nistelrooy. It was decided to keep the focus on next Sunday's match against AZ and to continue talking after the season.
"Van Nistelrooy reported this morning that in his opinion there was not enough support within the club to continue longer. He immediately explained this to the group of players and staff. At the request of the management, Fred Rutten will temporarily take over his role as Head Coach this Sunday."
