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18 December 2024

Yves Vanderhaeghe Returns As KV Kortrijk Head Coach

Club Appoints Vanderhaeghe to Help Navigate Difficult Season Ahead

KV Kortrijk has welcomed Yves Vanderhaeghe back as their head coach for the third time, aiming to lift the beleaguered team from the depths of despair within the Jupiler Pro League. Vanderhaeghe replaces Freyr Alexandersson, who was dismissed following disappointing results, including a loss to Dender and mounting pressure from fans.

Reflecting on his return, Vanderhaeghe expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "Het voelt vooral vertrouwd aan om hier opnieuw aan de slag te gaan" (It feels especially familiar to be working here again). This kinship with the club, where Vanderhaeghe presided over successful tenures from 2008 to 2021, resonates strongly with fans and management alike.

Kortrijk, currently sitting second to last on the league table, sought to revitalize their campaign by reaching out to the familiar face of Vanderhaeghe, who had been without coaching duties for about a year after his stint with Saudi Arabia's Al-Faisaly ended. He described the past year as unprecedented, adding, "Een jaar zonder werk, dat was nieuw voor mij" (A year without work was new for me). This time off allowed him to recharge and reconnect with his passion for the game.

The management's swift decision to appoint Vanderhaeghe came as Alexandersson's era drew to a close. The club's failure to find consistent form this season left no alternative but to make significant changes. CEO Guillaume Nuytten confirmed the urgency, noting, "Onze toekomst is niet afhankelijk van die matchen, maar we willen meteen een stap in de juiste richting zetten" (Our future doesn't depend on those matches, but we want to take immediate steps in the right direction).

Vanderhaeghe's reputation at Kortrijk is well established — he guided the team to playoff positions during his previous coaching spells. Now, as he embarks on his 380th match with the team, he is aware of both the weight of expectation and the need for immediate results. Knowing the club’s history and culture intimately allows him to step back seamlessly, reinvigorated to inspire his players.

Having already conducted his first training session, Vanderhaeghe reported positive energy and potential, stating, "Ik heb veel inzet en veel voetballend vermogen gezien" (I saw much effort and footballing ability). He acknowledged the areas destined for improvement but felt optimistic about the team’s quality.

The manager also spoke of the importance of upcoming matches, particularly emphasizing the upcoming clash with Beerschot — the league's last-placed team. This match is seen as pivotal to building confidence and momentum. Despite the weight of tradition and performance pressure, Vanderhaeghe remained positive: "We moeten proberen om snel resultaat te halen" (We must try to get results quickly).

Vanderhaeghe’s dynamic leadership style, often characterized by passion and connection with his players, will be instrumental as he faces challenges such as player morale and building team cohesion. Early reports suggest he plans to assess the squad comprehensively, identifying players who will thrive under his direction.

His past experiences, both good and challenging, provide him with insights on how best to navigate this precarious position. Alongside his trusted lieutenants, Joseph Akpala and Francky Vandendriessche, Vanderhaeghe aims to construct a 'fighting team' capable of staging a comeback.

Reflecting on the significance of his reappointment, he shared, "Het is een welgekomen kerstgeschenk" (It’s a welcome Christmas gift). Vanderhaeghe feels this opportunity has come at the right moment, allowing him to re-establish himself within Belgian football after his brief absence. With the warm reception from fans, and the immediate challenge at hand, Vanderhaeghe seems ready to embrace this new chapter.

With anticipation for the upcoming matches building, supporters of KV Kortrijk are hoping this time their old friend can achieve significant results and secure their place within the league.

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