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Genk/Ghent –
Will coach Wouter Vrancken exchange KRC Genk for AA Gent after this season? The opportunity is real, although a number of important obstacles must first be removed.
Marnik Geukens, Koen Van Uytvange and Yanko Beeckman
Yesterday at 8:00 PM
There has been some noise in the relationship between Wouter Vrancken and (part of) the Genk club management for some time. A scorching start in the Champions’ Play-offs seemed to clear the air for a while, but the 10 out of 12 was followed by a painful 0 out of 9. The goal difference of 1-11 is also detrimental to the working atmosphere, making the separation another seems to be getting closer.
Strong termination compensation
In any case, it is important for both Wouter Vrancken and KRC Genk that clarity is provided quickly. That’s easier said than done. A possible divorce currently comes with a hefty price tag for the severing party.
Eighteen months ago, when Vrancken had been on board for less than six months, the original indefinite-term contract was exchanged for a new agreement. One until mid-2026, which offers both parties more security, but at the same time makes it difficult to separate. Unless this happens by mutual agreement, but we are not at that stage yet.
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Eventual barrage match
In the meantime, Vrancken’s name has already ended up on the wish list of other clubs. That of AA Gent stands out. New owner Sam Baro has Vrancken’s name at the top of his list of possible successors to Hein Vanhaezebrouck. This should not be a surprise for a Belgian top coach with miles on the clock and an AA Gent past: Vrancken played 76 games for the Buffaloes between 2004 and 2006.
But AA Gent will have to be patient. Not only does it have to be hoped that the marriage between Vrancken and Genk will finally break down, the calendar of the competition slot also plays a role. As the winner of the Europe Play-offs, AA Gent will contest another barrag match on Sunday, June 2, with a ticket for the second preliminary round of the Conference League at stake. The opponent is the number four or five of the Champions’ Play-offs. That could very well be… KRC Genk. A prospect that makes no one happy in this scenario.
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Distribution
If people in Ghent can now look forward to that match without any worries, Wouter Vrancken and KRC Genk will be in the Champions’ Play-offs for three crucial matches, in which they want to secure fourth place. The team must bounce back after a 0 out of 9, so all focus must be on the here and now.
That shouldn’t be a problem for a winner like Vrancken, who is always professionally oriented. However, this week he will have to strike the right chord with his group of players, in which certain future plans can also ensure spread, to achieve the European goal.