Sport

Vacancies galore in Belgian football

Westerlo decided to sack their coach on Saturday. It's the third top-flight club that sends its coach packing in a week's time. All the clubs are situated just above the relegation zone, and thought it would be a good idea to start anew after the winter break with money time coming up.
Michaël Torfs

Rachid Chibab of Mouscron-Péruwelz was the first to be sacked during the Belgian winter break, on 29 December. Ronny Van Geneugden of Waasland-Beveren followed on the last day of the year. Yesterday, it was Dennis Van Wijk's turn to be sacked at Westerlo. All 3 clubs are situated just above the relegation zone, on the places 12 to 14. The numbers 15 and 16 will be involved in play-downs at the end of the season, with 9 days of play to go.

Van Wijk only picked up 3 points from a possible 27 in 9 matches with Westerlo. "There were no good prospects to turn the tide", the club said in a statement. It seems the clubs are panicking, as they are feeling the pressure with just 9 days of play ahead, although they are all 3 in a safe position for the moment. It has been shown in the past that replacing a coach does not always yield better results. So far, 7 clubs have sent their coach packing in the top flight this season.

Rachid Chibab was replaced by Fernando Da Cruz at newly-promoted Mouscron-Péruwelz. Waasland-Beveren and Westerlo have not yet announced who will be at the helm of the team.

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