HLN are reporting that Carl Hoefkens is set to return to the Belgian Pro League. The former Stoke City player had previously been head coach of Club Brugge and Standard Liege before being sacked by the latter. He was in charge of NAC Breda for the past two seasons, but the side were relegated from the Eredivisie last season. Hoefkens was able to keep NAC Breda in the top flight on their return two seasons ago, but the side were poor last season and dropped back into the second tier. He had said he was intending to continue with the club, but it looks like he will now be joining OH Leuven instead.
It is quite surprising that OH Leuven have opted to bring Hoefkens in. The side have tried a number of head coaches over the past few seasons since Marc Brys departed, but none have been able to stop the club from underachieving. After another poor season last season, Felice Mazzu was sacked following OH Leuven’s disappointing performances in the play-offs. Yet Mazzu is similar to Hoefkens in that his best work as a head coach was a few seasons ago.
Regardless of who they appoint, it is in the recruiting department that OH Leuven must get things right next season. Getting things right in the transfer market for once could really help OH Leuven realise their potential.
