PSV Eindhoven target survival for as long as possible

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, Sep 7 (Reuters) A new era beckons for PSV Eindhoven with coach Guus Hiddink leaving to take charge of Russia and Ronald Koeman moving back to the Netherlands from Benfica to replace him.

Koeman is under pressure to at least do as well as last season when PSV made it through the group stage but there is real chance of them emulating their performance of 2004-05 when they reached the semi-finals.

PSV have also endured a third successive close season of upheaval. Two years ago Hiddink saw his complete attacking lineup depart while last season five starters, including three midfielders, left the club that had won three of the last four domestic titles.

This year it seemed quiet enough in Eindhoven though in the final two weeks of August Dutch internationals Andre Ooijer and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink preferred an overseas adventure at Blackburn Rovers and Celtic respectively.

On the final day of the transfer window PSV signed defender Jan Kromkamp and striker Patrick Kluivert to balance their squad that will start a 10th consecutive Champions League campaign in a group with Liverpool, Bordeaux and Galatasaray.

On a domestic level the Dutch champions can expect to receive serious competition from a renovated Ajax Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar but in Europe they will be looking to survive for as long as possible to improve their doubtful financial position.

For Koeman it will be his fourth coaching experience in the prestigious tournament.

In 2003 he reached the quarter-finals with Ajax Amsterdam and last season he took Benfica to the same stage after eliminating Manchester United in the group phase and Liverpool one round later.

Despite the departure of Ooijer, after eight and a half seasons at the club, Koeman can start with a solid defence. Kromkamp and Carlos Salcido are both internationals and reliable at the back while Brazilian international Alex is an uncompromsing central defender.

Skipper Philip Cocu extended his contract for another year to maintain the experience in midfield and together with Belgian Timmy Simons will shoulder most of the midfield work.

Koeman's biggest concern will be the fitness of new signing Kluivert, who played only 10 league matches for Valencia last season, hampered by several injury problems.

After his signing Kluivert said he expected to be fit in two weeks, so the opening match against Liverpool next Tuesday might come too soon.

REUTERS PDS BST1900