Club Bruges travel to Birmingham without head coach

Club Bruges have sacked their Dutch team coach Adrie Koster after a spectacular 4-5 defeat against champions KRC Genk. Bruges had lost 4 consecutive matches, but the decision still comes rather as a surprise. The club's management hopes to give the players a new boost by replacing the head coach.

Club Bruges had lost their previous 4 matches, starting with the home defeat against Birmingham City in the Europa League, 10 days ago. The visitors made the winning goal in the dying minutes of the game.

Bruges next lost in the domestic competition, when KV Kortrijk reversed the situation in the final minutes to take it 2-1.

Last Wednesday, Bruges were ousted in the Belgian Cup by AA Gent. Bruges were 1-3 up in Ghent at half-time, but were unable to keep the lead and after a 4-all draw, they lost the penalty series.

Yesterday, Bruges were leading 4-2 against reigning champions KRC Genk in the competition, throwing it all away at the end. Genk midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who is poised to play for Chelsea next season, scored twice to make it 4-5.

Assistent coaches take over in Birmingham

Not only the series of defeats was a problem, also the fact that Bruges more than once gave away a lead.

Dutch coach Adrie Koster, who is praised for his offensive tactics, failed in his defensive approach. In the past four matches, Bruges scored 10 goals, but at the same time it swallowed 13 goals. This resulted in 3 defeats and a Cup exit. The offensive tactics were not paying off and the ambitious new team in the club's management was getting impatient.

It is expected that Bruges will take on a careful approach next Thursday, when they play Birmingham in the Europa League. Bruges will be led by the assistent coaches Philippe Clement and Rudy Verkempinck in the next 2 matches.

Adrie Koster (56) had been working in Bruges since the summer of 2009. He has to leave the club without a trophy.

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