Nicky Hayen is currently doing an excellent job as interim coach at Club Brugge. It is increasingly suggested that he be appointed permanent head coach next season. But the favorite role for that position is reserved for someone else for the time being.
After last season’s disappointing performance in his own country, the Bruges board decided last summer to place the sporting fate in the hands of Ronny Deila. But his appointment ultimately turned out not to be a good choice. The day after the regular competition, which ended in fourth place, the Norwegian had to retire.
U23 coach Hayen was then temporarily appointed as T1 of the first team. And the former figurehead of STVV is currently performing far beyond everyone’s expectations. Under his reign, Club has secured a ticket for the semi-finals of the Conference League and Blauw-Zwart is once again fully competing for the national title.
Hayen or new name?
And so there is increasing speculation about Hayen’s permanent appointment, which is not illogical given the results. At first, the Bruges board did not want to know much about it. “It is still too early to draw major conclusions. We are not going to suddenly change our plan,” CEO Bob Madou said last week.
But because Hayen continues to confirm, the club management is said to be gradually changing. For example, they would first want to wait for the coming matches before making the decision about the interim coach. Nevertheless, Karel Geraerts still seems to be the big favorite to win the job of Bruges head coach.
Running contract no problem
The former midfielder was already in the picture at the end of last season and in recent weeks it has been reported several times that his name is again at the top of the wish list. There was one major stumbling block. After all, Geraerts is still under contract with Schalke 04 until mid-2025. But that turns out not to be such a big problem after all.
During his press chat on Thursday, Geraerts made it clear that it is anything but certain that he will terminate his agreement in Gelsenkirchen. “At the moment, no one has any guarantees for next season. Yes, I still have one year left on my contract, but a lot has happened this season. That is why we must first ensure our retention and then I will make a correct analysis,” he was quoted as saying. SudPresse. So the door for Club Brugge is once again ajar.
