The official announcement will take some time, but Sam Baro’s decision has reportedly been made: AA Gent will say goodbye to Hein Vanhaezebrouck after this season. And so the Buffaloes and their owner have to look for a new T1. Who is eligible to fill that vacancy? There are already a number of interesting contenders among the competition.
It was already written in the stars that after almost 400 matches in Ghent employment, spread over two terms with one title and one cup, the marriage would come to an end. Although he does not doubt his qualities, Baro is a cooler lover of Vanhaezebrouck than Ivan De Witte and Michel Louwagie. His communication with the outside world in particular is a thorn in his side.
Replacement for Vanhaezebrouck
Moreover, the coach weighs too heavily on the transfer policy, and the results during his second term of office also left something to be desired. Although AA Gent won the cup in 2022 and seems well on its way to winning the Europe Play-Offs for the fourth time, the fact that it always missed out on the final battle for the championship remains a disappointment. Different and better, is the hard conclusion.
However, that is easier said than done. Because of the legacy that Vanhaezebrouck leaves behind in the Planet Group Arena, but also because trainers usually last much less time there. The only other T1s who were ever at the helm for more than 100 games were Georges Leekens (2004-2007), Lei Clijsters (1994-1997), René Vandereycken (1989-1993) and Han Grijzenhout (1984-1986).
Just to say that it will not be easy to fill Vanhaezebrouck’s shoes. In the years before and after his first reign, there was certainly doom and gloom in the Ghent dugout, where, apart from Michel Preud’homme and Jess Thorup, no one stayed for more than one year during that period. Although at that time it was of course De Witte and Louwagie, and not the new owner, who were in charge.
Baro’s decision
“I know more about it than people might think. But I have not once interfered with the sporting aspect. I did not come to Ghent to be a trainer or technical director myself,” Baro knows his place. Yet his vote will be the deciding factor. To start with, regarding the appointment of a new TD. “I believe I will make the right choice,” he said recently.
Together with the sporty boss, and with the help of Louwagie in an advisory role, Baro will have to make another crucial decision shortly afterwards. One where he cannot afford to make any mistakes, AA Gent wants to get back in touch with the top, which is of course the intention. Vanhaezebrouck’s successor must, above all, be able to achieve the board’s objectives on the field.
Outside of that, the new coach prefers to be less in the spotlight with striking statements, especially about his own players, scouting and management. He must also be able to fit within the structure that Baro has in mind. Since it does not seem appropriate to wait until this is finalized, we would like to put forward a few candidates who meet the desired profile.
Besnik HASI (52, KV Mechelen)
The Buffaloes themselves do not appear to have any intention of giving up either, because they have reportedly already contacted Hasi. Although those rumors are still firmly denied from his camp. The former champion maker of Anderlecht will first wait for further discussions with his current employer, where he put himself back on the map. Those negotiations would be difficult.
Perhaps Hasi is hoping for a better proposal once the trainers carousel at the top of the stand gets going. His ambitions are certainly in line with those of AA Gent, and he is not a table beater who spews his bile or imposes his will at any time. Finally, because of his expiring contract, Hasi, for whom money is an afterthought after his lucrative adventure in Saudi Arabia, would be a relatively cheap option. The top favorite?
Thorsten FINK (56, STVV)
After the praise he gave to his colleague on Tuesday, Vanhaezebrouck clearly prefers Fink. His opinion no longer matters, but the modern people manager with an eye for discipline certainly deserves a place at the top of the list. After all, the attractive game – coupled with excellent results – that Fink serves in Sint-Truiden has not only won the heart of Vanhaezebrouck.
Now that he is in the spotlight, the charming German has not ruled out anything: remaining loyal to STVV or accepting a sporty and financially interesting offer. An effort seems worthwhile, because Fink ticks all the boxes. In addition to his fine track record, he thinks along with a club, both in terms of transfer policy and launching young people. Exactly what Baro is looking for. At least, if he stays in post for a while.
Oscar GARCIA (51, OHL)
Jobhoppers can do without Baro like a toothache. In that respect it makes García not a good turn by openly hinting at an exit in Leuven, another opponent in these play-offs. Moreover, despite his background at Barcelona, he is less committed to possession of the ball to create chances, and the Spaniard has regularly handed out shots to management that did not fully meet his expectations.
He did manage to bring OHL to safety after the dismissal of Marc Brys. His impressive CV is not inferior to that of Fink: Garcia also knows the ropes at the top. Just like the above options, he usually opts for a field formation with three at the back. Garcia is attached to Den Dreef until 2026. Looks most like Vanhaezebrouck, which is probably not an advantage.
Miron MUSLIC (41, Cercle Brugge)
Or does Baro opt for a younger, hipper model? Led by Music Cercle Brugge finished in the top six for the second year in a row. The question is of course whether his characteristic style – vertical, intensive and dynamic football, with a lot of emphasis on pressing, transitions and physical parameters – would also appeal to a top club. Although there are plenty of examples where this approach pays off at the highest level.
Muslic is a modern T1 with attention to the philosophy of his employer. A master motivator too, who passionately draws everyone into his story and gives opportunities to young people. Despite concrete interest from abroad, the loyal Austrian signed up for the New Year in Bruges until 2025 “to finish his work”. Muslic always keeps its promises, but the ambition radiates.
At the neighbors in Jan Breydel Hayen provided a breath of fresh air. What’s more: with the way in which he has completely resuscitated the critically ill Club Brugge, the interim trainer seems like a real miracle doctor. What is certain is that he has undeniably put himself on the map, regardless of the rest of the season. But what if Blauw-Zwart is left empty-handed?
Although he will hardly be blamed, there is little chance that Hayen will be appointed permanently in that case. Does a position as T1 in Ghent sound more attractive than playing assistant for his successor – who knows, Vanhaezebrouck himself – or returning to Club NXT? The question is of course whether Baro dares to take such a gamble. Just like Muslic, Hayen has little experience with the real pressure at a top club.
Ronny DEILA (48, free)
That turned out to be too much for his predecessor to deal with, although the stress in Bruges is still of a different caliber. It turned out to be against Standard’s cauldron Deila previously file. Ex-Rouches such as Laszlo Bölöni, Mircea Rednic and Preud’homme preceded him, albeit all with varying degrees of success. His compatriot Trond Sollied once returned after a spell with the arch-rival.
After his dismissal from Club, the Norwegian says he is eager to start working elsewhere again. Deila is eager to prove himself and erase the doubts surrounding his person. Will the Buffaloes offer him that opportunity? Or will his flop in Bruges, which would undoubtedly cause skepticism among the fans, deter Baro? Deila probably didn’t score any points with his lashing out at the board.
Karel GERAERTS (42, Schalke 04)
Just like Deila is Geraerts currently not working for the competition, but he also has a link with Club Brugge. Not just as a former player, but because the former midfielder is reportedly the top candidate to permanently succeed Deila. Although he is about to maintain himself in the German second division, Geraerts does not provide any definitive information about his future in Gelsenkirchen.
As assistant to Felice Mazzu, he was already pointed to as the tactical genius of Union, where he also earned his stripes as head coach. Baro, who as a newcomer in the profession would certainly prefer someone who knows the competition, will have to use all his powers of persuasion if he wants to seduce Geraerts. Just to please the fans, it’s at least worth a try.
