Club BruggeThe bullet goes through the church: Karl Hofkins (44) is no longer the coach of FC Brugge. Hoefkens pays for poor results in the Belgian League, early exit from the cup and mediocre football. CEO Vincent Mannart is at Bever Castle, where chairman Bart Verhaeghe lives, to speed up the search for a new coach.
It was a surprise move when the club promoted his assistant Karl Hoefkens to head coach at the end of May to succeed Alfred Schroeder, who had left for Ajax. Although Hoefkens did not yet have experience as a head coach, internally at Blauw-zwart they were convinced that he had the capabilities to make the move.
This also seemed a good choice for a long time. Under Hoefkens, the club was able to qualify for the 1/8 finals of the Champions League for the first time, after big victories against Leverkusen, Porto and Atlético, among others. The people of Bruges and Hofkins have rightfully received many compliments on their course of study in Europe.
But in their country the blue and black never started. Due to mediocre football and missing a lot of points, the club saw the gap with league leaders Genk grow more and more. Last week, he also annoyingly flew out of the cup by losing 1-4 (!) to STVV at home. Hoefkens got another chance against the OHL, but Club couldn’t win this match either.
Thus, after seven months, the cooperation between the club and coach Karl Höfkens came to an end. Bart Verheig and Vincent Mannart are already looking for their fourth coach in a year.
CEO Vincent Manart responds briefly to the dismissal on the Club Brugge website. “Karl is a pure riches Clubman. His contribution and commitment to Club NXT and as an assistant has been greatly appreciated. His role in this season’s successful Champions League campaign cannot be underestimated. Our selections last summer did not deliver the required level of play and resulted in the Belgian League and Belgian Cup. We are working Now on to the best possible succession for the club.”
look. Karl Hoefkens is no longer the coach of Club Brugge
look. Club Brugge swallow a late equalizer against OH Leuven
Unlimited free access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.
“Subtly charming internet specialist. Avid writer. Friendly alcohol guru. Music ninja. Devoted social media fanatic.”
More Stories
Watch – the new dressing room and shower for the Red Devils
Frank De Bleekeri explains Hugo Vettelsen's strange goal against Union SG – Football News
The Tour of Lombardy can be seen again on Sporza from this year