PSV Eindhoven have confirmed they have parted company with coach Fred Rutten following the side's poor recent form.
Rutten had been expected to lose his job after Sunday's 3-1 defeat by NAC Breda, which was the Eredivisie giants' third defeat in succession.
And the club confirmed the news on Monday afternoon, with former player Phillip Cocu stepping up from a backroom role to take the reins for the remainder of the season.
Cocu will be joined by Ernest Faber in charge of team affairs until the summer, with the former PSV youth coach returning to the club from FC Eindhoven.
Cocu's backroom colleague Erik ten Hag joins Rutten in departing the Eindhoven club.
PSV announced the news at a press conference at the Philips Stadion on Monday afternoon.
"We regret the inevitable parting and appreciate the tremendous effort and commitment they have shown," said the club.
Rutten leaves the club just four points off Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar but on a poor run of form.
Sunday's defeat at Breda followed a 4-2 loss at Valencia in the Champions League last-16 first leg and a 6-2 hammering by rivals FC Twente.
Around 200 supporters surrounded the team bus on Sunday to voice their frustration at Rutten following the loss to struggling NAC, prompting the club's hierarchy to take action on Monday.
