Anderlecht Identify Top Target – Former AC Milan, PSV, Barcelona and Bayern Munich Man

Anderlecht has officially begun their search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Brian Riemer.

According to a report from Belgian outlet HLN, one of the leading candidates to replace him is Mark van Bommel, the former Antwerp coach who guided his previous club to the Belgian Pro League title and a domestic cup win in 2023. Van Bommel, who is currently without a club, is reportedly high on Anderlecht’s shortlist of potential replacements.

Van Bommel’s track record as a “champion maker” has certainly caught the attention of Anderlecht’s board, which has moved swiftly following Riemer’s exit. The 47-year-old Dutchman, known for his strong leadership and ability to deliver silverware, could be the figure to lead Anderlecht back to success.

Mark van Bommel had an illustrious playing career as a dynamic midfielder known for his leadership and tactical intelligence. He began his professional career with Fortuna Sittard before rising to prominence at PSV Eindhoven, where he won several Eredivisie titles. Van Bommel enjoyed spells at some of Europe’s top clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan. He won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2006 and numerous domestic titles with Bayern, where he also captained the team. Van Bommel retired in 2013 after a second spell at PSV, earning 79 caps for the Dutch national team.

Although no formal discussions have taken place, the Belgian giants have already reached out to Van Bommel’s entourage, signalling their interest. However, other candidates, including former Danish national coach Kasper Hjulmand, are also being considered.

Riemer’s Dismissal: A Consequence of Unfulfilled Potential

The decision to part ways with Brian Riemer, the 45-year-old Danish coach, came after weeks of underwhelming performances. Riemer had been at Anderlecht for nearly two years, but his tenure ended in disappointment as the team struggled to meet expectations. While results weren’t disastrous, there was a growing sense among Anderlecht’s leadership that the squad had far more potential than was being realised on the pitch.

“There are different ways to evaluate the work of a coach,” explained Jesper Fredberg, Anderlecht’s CEO of Sports, following the dismissal. “The results were not bad, but we have the feeling that there is more potential in this group of players than is currently being expressed.”

The decision was made after a high-level meeting late Wednesday evening, where owner Marc Coucke, chairman Wouter Vandenhaute, sporting director Fredberg, and other key stakeholders assessed the situation. It was clear that Anderlecht needed to move in a different direction, and by Thursday morning, the news was delivered to Riemer in person at the club’s Neerpede training ground.

The Search for a New Coach Begins

In the meantime, Anderlecht has started looking for a new manager who can bring the club back to its former glory. Jesper Fredberg is now tasked with compiling a shortlist of candidates to replace Riemer. “We now mainly need a trainer who can help us take the next step,” Fredberg stated. The search is not just about finding a capable coach, but one who can restore Anderlecht’s reputation as a dominant force in Belgian football.

Mark van Bommel, who has been out of work since leaving Antwerp at the end of last season, has emerged as one of the top candidates. Van Bommel’s success at Antwerp, where he led them to a league and cup double, has made him a sought-after figure in the Belgian football scene. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop a winning mentality within his squad, van Bommel could be the ideal candidate to reignite Anderlecht’s fortunes.

Alongside Van Bommel, Kasper Hjulmand is another name linked with the role. The 51-year-old Dane, who recently stepped down as Denmark’s national coach, has long been admired by Anderlecht’s hierarchy. However, the club is cautious about appointing another Danish manager immediately after Riemer’s departure, which could complicate the decision-making process.

David Hubert Steps In as Interim Coach

While Anderlecht searches for a long-term solution, the club has appointed David Hubert as interim head coach. The 36-year-old former Genk player, who had been coaching Anderlecht’s U18s, will now take charge of the first team on a temporary basis. His first task will be to prepare Anderlecht for their upcoming fixture against an in-form Charleroi side.

Despite the sudden change, Hubert is keen to maintain stability and avoid any drastic alterations to the team’s style. “The question came from the club, whether I felt 100% ready to take over. That is the case. A lot has happened in the past few hours, but it is nice to start,” Hubert said. “It is important to adjust small things, but the goal is not to carry out a revolution. If you look at the number of points and the situation, it is not dramatic either. There is a good basis on which we can build.”

Hubert’s focus will be on steadying the ship until a permanent appointment is made. The former player’s calm and composed approach should provide some much-needed continuity for the squad in the short term, as they navigate a challenging period.

Site Opinion: New Direction Needed

Anderlecht’s decision to part ways with Brian Riemer may have come after a string of unconvincing performances, but it also reflects the club’s broader ambitions. Jesper Fredberg and the board clearly believe that the current squad is capable of much more than has been shown, and they need a leader who can unlock that potential.

Mark van Bommel, with his proven track record in Belgian football, seems a logical fit for the club. His ability to build winning teams could be exactly what Anderlecht need as they look to reclaim their place at the top of the domestic game.