The crisis at Belgian football club Anderlecht is deepening, with owner Marc Coucke publicly addressing the turmoil and hinting at regrets over the departure of former manager and player Vincent Kompany. Coucke’s comments, made during an appearance on the popular Flemish television program De Tafel van Gert on , reveal a club grappling with instability and searching for a path forward.
Coucke’s appearance came after a particularly difficult period for Anderlecht, which recently dismissed both its interim coach, Edward Still and sporting director, Olivier Renard. The club is now actively seeking a new manager, a decision Coucke indicated will take precedence over finding a replacement for Renard. “Normally, you would do that the other way around,” Coucke admitted, “But the sporting director needs to be top-notch. That is someone for the long term. A coach often only stays for one or two years.” This unconventional approach underscores the urgency Anderlecht feels in stabilizing its on-field performance.
The owner emphasized that the recent changes weren’t knee-jerk reactions but the result of a thorough evaluation of the club’s structure, implemented in . That restructuring saw Michael Verschueren appointed as president and Kenneth Bornauw as CEO. “We gave everyone time to prove themselves,” Coucke explained, “After a few months, we did a complete analysis to see who was in the right place. We drew conclusions and had to tell some people that they didn’t fit what we had in mind.”
However, Coucke’s reflections extended beyond the immediate personnel changes, revealing a sense of wistfulness regarding Kompany’s departure. While not directly criticizing the previous leadership that oversaw Kompany’s exit, Coucke stated, “If Kompany had stayed, everything would have been different.” He described the period under Kompany as having “drive and vision,” suggesting a loss of direction since his leaving. This admission is particularly noteworthy, as it acknowledges a potentially significant misstep in the club’s recent history.
The current situation is characterized by a lack of balance within the squad, according to Coucke. “When you put together a team, everything must be there: talent, technique, but also the mental aspect. Apparently, we haven’t found the right balance.” This assessment points to a deeper issue than simply managerial or directorial failings, suggesting a fundamental problem with the composition of the Anderlecht team.
Coucke was careful to distance himself from the direct selection of the new coach, stating he would “totally stay away” once the process becomes “purely sporting.” However, he also stressed the high standards expected of any potential candidate. “The bar cannot be lowered. It’s Anderlecht,” he asserted, reinforcing the club’s expectation of success and its unwillingness to compromise on quality.
The upcoming Coupe de Belgique semi-final return leg against Antwerp looms large, with Coucke acknowledging Antwerp as the favorites. Despite this, he expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete. “They are the favorites, but we also have a good team. We should be able to get more out of it. The players can surprise me.” This upcoming match represents a crucial opportunity for Anderlecht to demonstrate resilience and potentially salvage something from a challenging season.
Coucke’s candidness on De Tafel van Gert signals a willingness to engage directly with the concerns of Anderlecht supporters. His admission regarding Kompany’s potential impact, coupled with his critique of the current squad’s imbalance, paints a picture of a club at a crossroads. The immediate priority is securing a new manager, but the underlying issues – a lack of long-term vision and a need for a more cohesive team – will require sustained attention to restore Anderlecht to its former glory. The club’s future hinges on finding the right leadership and rebuilding a squad capable of meeting the expectations of a demanding fanbase.
The search for a new sporting director will follow the appointment of a coach, a deviation from the usual order that Coucke justifies by the need for immediate stability. He emphasized the importance of finding a sporting director who is “boenk op zijn” – a Dutch idiom meaning someone who is exceptionally capable and reliable – someone who can build for the future, unlike a coach who typically has a shorter tenure. This highlights a long-term perspective, even amidst the current crisis.
Coucke’s comments suggest a period of introspection and a recognition that significant changes are needed to address the club’s ongoing struggles. While he remains optimistic about Anderlecht’s potential, his words also carry a sense of urgency and a clear message that the club’s standards will not be lowered. The coming weeks will be critical as Anderlecht navigates this challenging period and seeks to chart a course towards a more successful future.
