Phillip Cocu believes PSV have the mentality necessary to further their push towards the Eredivisie title ahead of their return to action at Vitesse.
Cocu's men lead the Dutch top flight by four points in their attempt to break Ajax's dominance of recent years.
"We will not just defend our lead but attempt to widen the gap with our nearest rivals," Cocu said.
"We work hard to achieve our aim; the players show great work ethic and know what it takes to be a successful professional football player.
"We've hardly ever failed to meet expectations this season and bounced back to winning ways after a disappointing defeat. We've put on solid team displays, feel confident when a game kicks off and trust each other.
"Actually the differences between last season and the current campaign are not that big. Small details make the difference. We've scored more goals from set pieces and conceded fewer.
"We really operate as a team and if we manage to maintain that spirit in the upcoming seventeen league games, we stand a fair chance to reach our aim."
Ajax have the chance to put pressure on PSV when they host Groningen on Friday.
Rutten can further his case for an improved contract by beating fellow European hopefuls Twente, while PEC Zwolle and AZ should be confident of boosting their Europa League credentials against strugglers NAC Breda and Dordecht respectively.
