George Leekens has been fired by Club Brugge, after going through a pitiful spell of results – five defeats in a row – and that will leave Newcastle’s opponents in Belgium on Thursday night without a manager.
George Leekens at Club Brugge – in happier days
Leekens was under tremendous pressure before the game over the weekend when they lost 1-0 to the league leaders Zulte Waregem at home, and that was enough for the Brugge higher-ups, and they decided to fire their 63 year-old manager.
Club Brugge official Vincent Mannaert made this statement after an emergency meeting following the defeat against Zulte Waregem:
“It was not easy, but also not a hasty decision,” it sounds.” “The level and the results are even considering the injury burden in a while insufficient. The finding is that the trainer choice has not led to what we have in mind.”
“That is a disappointment that we self-responsibility in contributing. We need and Club will be here as the necessary lessons from it. “
“We want Georges Leekens and Rudi Verkempinck for their efforts and wish them well in their future future. We also want to thank the fans for their support during sporty difficult period.”
Rudi Verkempinck was the assistant coach, and Leekens was only appointed last summer, and he was previously the Belgian National manager, and it will be interesting to see whether he gets another job soon, as he joins another over 60 year-old former manager – Harry Redknapp – on the sidelines.
So Club Brugge will be without a manager on Thursday night when Newcastle are the visitors, and a win will see the Magpies qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League.
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7 comments so far
roshan MAGPIE
Nov 6, 2012 at 9:37 AM
Comment #1hope adam Campbell get some game time this time around
Conaldo (The Wizard)
Nov 6, 2012 at 9:43 AM
Comment #2Roshan – if we win we are guaranteed qualification, so expect Adam Campbell to play the two games after this if we win.
I would like to see a decent looking side sent out, it’s not too far to travel.
Harper
Santon Willo collo fergie
Anita tiote marveaux
Sammy cisse shola
Either 433 with shola and cisse alternating between “Wing” and CF, or 442 with sammy on RM.
BarcelonaMag
Nov 6, 2012 at 9:48 AM
Comment #3Love the Google translation, Ed! It sound like Stanley Unwin, for those old enough to remember.
estechco
Nov 6, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Comment #4BarcelonaMag: Outstandifold in the wetty grippers?
BarcelonaMag
Nov 6, 2012 at 11:47 AM
Comment #5Esrechco: Exactabooble! Munt be you same ageable-like than me.
karasu
Nov 6, 2012 at 1:51 PM
Comment #6Last I heard, Leekens had led Brugge to a 10+ match undefeated streak prior to these 5 defeats in a row. I think Brugge made a hasty, knee-jerk and faulty decision in sacking Leekens.
AmericanGeordie
Nov 6, 2012 at 3:35 PM
Comment #7Projected Brugge Lineup. (4-4-2)
Harper
Anita-Colo-Willo-Fergie
Obertan-Tiote-Bigi-Sammy
Shola-Cisse
Bench: Eliot, Saylor, Simpson, Amalfitano, Jonas, Marveaux, Campbell
Rest: Krul, Ba, Santon, Cabaye, HBA