Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped down as head coach of Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven with immediate effect, it has been confirmed.
Appointed as Roger Schmidt's successor last year, the former Netherlands international has quit after claiming that he no longer felt that he had the support of everyone at the club. He had signed a three-year contract prior to the start of this season.
The former Reds ace was given the job after impressing within PSV's youth ranks over several years. He had worked with both the under-17s and under-19s in separate spells at the club.
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Van Nistelrooy, who spent five years as a player at United, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances, has left the club with just one game of the regular Eredivisie campaign remaining. PSV are currently second in the table and only require a point on the final day of the season against AZ Alkmaar to be guaranteed to finish in that position. The title has already been won by Feyenoord.
A statement released by PSV on Wednesday lunchtime said: "Head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy announced on Wednesday morning that he would leave PSV. After several discussions about internal affairs that have taken place in recent weeks, a meeting took place 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 players and staff. This Sunday, at the request of the management, Fred Rutten will temporarily take over his role as head coach.
"PSV regrets Van Nistelrooy's decision and is grateful to him for winning the Johan Cruijff Scale and the TOTO KNVB Cup this season and hopes to close the football year with second place."
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