Anderlecht has sacked head coach David Hubert. Despite the team's "mediocre" performances in recent months, the coach's departure comes as a big surprise in Belgium. The Brussels club has qualified for the play-offs and is set to play in the Croky Cup final.
Anderlecht has sacked head coach David Hubert. Despite the team's "mediocre" performances in recent months, the coach's departure comes as a big surprise in Belgium.
The Brussels club has managed to qualify for the play-offs and is set to compete in the Croky Cup final, a testament to their overall solid campaign despite inconsistency in performances. Meanwhile, Anderlecht's next league match will be against Club Brugge on March 30 at 13:30, a crucial fixture as the team prepares for the final stretch of the season and looks to maintain momentum heading into the play-offs.
Hubert took over in September following the dismissal of Brian Riemer, who was let go due to "inconsistent football," according to Het Nieuwsblad. Initially appointed on an interim basis, the 37-year-old coach quickly impressed the Anderlecht board, earning a permanent contract just a month later. However, despite showing promise in his early days, his tenure has been cut short after just over five months. Reports suggest that while results were decent, the club's management felt there was "too little progress" under Hubert, and they saw an urgent need for change ahead of the crucial phase of the season.
His replacement is a familiar figure at Anderlecht: Besnik Hasi. The 53-year-old Belgian-Kosovar is well remembered by fans, having previously led the club to a Belgian Pro League title in 2014. His experience, tactical understanding, and deep knowledge of the club make him a logical choice for the role. In his first official statement following his return, Hasi expressed his enthusiasm about taking charge once again. "I know this club and the expectations that come with such an institution. It is a pleasure to once again be in charge of Anderlecht’s first team," he said. His return brings a mix of nostalgia and hope for fans, many of whom remember his previous success and are eager to see if he can replicate it in this new stint.
Anderlecht’s decision to make this coaching change comes at a defining moment in the season. With both the play-offs and the Croky Cup final on the horizon, the club’s leadership deemed it necessary to bring in a coach with experience and a proven track record in high-pressure situations. Given the competitive nature of the Jupiler Pro League’s championship round, every point will be crucial, and the club wants to ensure they have the best possible setup to compete for the title.
The timing of the decision is linked to Anderlecht’s recent performances. The club played its final match of the regular season in Belgium on Sunday, securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Cercle Brugge. However, Het Laatste Nieuws described the win as a "flattering victory," implying that the scoreline did not fully reflect the balance of play. In the previous match, Anderlecht suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Westerlo, a mid-table team, in what was deemed a "shameful" performance. "After that loss, the board decided it was (again) time to intervene," HLN wrote, further noting that Hubert's team had been "struggling" since Christmas, with inconsistency becoming a growing concern for the club’s hierarchy.
The Jupiler Pro League play-offs are set to begin next Sunday, and Anderlecht enters the championship round in fourth place with 26 points. Their opening fixture will be a tough test against Club Brugge, the second-placed team in the standings. This match will serve as an early indicator of whether Hasi’s return can immediately inject fresh energy and tactical improvements into the squad. Club Brugge, known for their disciplined and high-intensity style of play, will pose a formidable challenge, and Anderlecht must be at their best to secure a positive result.
Adding further intrigue to the season, Anderlecht and Club Brugge will also face off in May in the final of the Croky Cup. This sets up a fascinating rivalry in the coming weeks, with the two clubs battling for supremacy on multiple fronts. Winning the cup would be a major achievement for Anderlecht, especially after a season filled with managerial upheaval and fluctuating performances.
Hasi's immediate task will be to stabilize the team and ensure they head into the play-offs with confidence. Key players such as captain Jan Vertonghen, top scorer Kasper Dolberg, and young talents like Mario Stroeykens will play a crucial role in determining whether Anderlecht can challenge for the title. Hasi's tactical flexibility and ability to get the best out of his squad will be tested, especially as he takes over a team that has faced criticism for lacking cohesion and consistency in recent months.
Fans are cautiously optimistic about the appointment, with many hoping that Hasi’s return will bring renewed stability and a winning mentality to the squad. While some have questioned the decision to part ways with Hubert at this stage of the season, others believe that the move was necessary to ensure Anderlecht remains competitive in the title race. As the club gears up for a defining period, all eyes will be on Hasi and his ability to guide the team towards silverware.
