Antwerp FC started the Champions’ Play-Offs with a defeat at RSC Anderlecht. There must be an appropriate response next weekend in the home match against KRC Genk. In the meantime, the future of coach Mark van Bommel remains uncertain.
In the summer of 2022, the former midfielder of FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, among others, was brought to the Bosuil by his compatriot and sporting boss Marc Overmars. RAFC took a certain risk with that appointment. After all, Van Bommel’s previous adventures as head coach had not proven to be an unqualified success.
But Overmars’ choice turned out to be the right one. The trainer quickly managed to mold a solid team, which at times played good football. And above all, a team that achieved results. Under his reign, Antwerp won the Croky Cup, after which it managed to win the national title a few months later.
Step up
At the beginning of September, the Dutch trainer’s contract was terminated until mid-2026. But there is a real chance that Van Bommel will not terminate that agreement completely. In recent weeks, more and more rumors have emerged about the head coach’s departure in the summer.
Analyst Gert Verheyen also ultimately fears that MvB will choose a different challenge. “I honestly think that he enjoyed being in Antwerp and still enjoys being there. But if offers come from a step higher, it does not seem illogical to me that he would accept them. It cannot be better than last year,” he said. it at Eleven Sports/DAZN.
Time for Hein?
If Van Bommel leaves, Antwerp will have to find a suitable successor. CEO Sven Jaecques does not want to mention any names for the time being, but… Gazette of Antwerp commentator/line reporter Dave Peters puts forward Hein Vanhaezebrouck. It seems to be on its way to the exit at AA Gent. “His mentality fits very well with the Antwerp mentality, namely: being able to openly discuss critical matters,” says Peters. “By the way, the Oosterweel works are making progress. That also helps.”
