Cercle Brugge have made their decision and are retaining Lars Friis as head coach for the time being. The club sits bottom of the Jupiler Pro League with just three points from nine games, having recorded zero wins, three draws and six losses, but is opting for continuity in the dugout.
The situation regarding Friis is being assessed day by day, the club stated. The call follows three consecutive league defeats, including a 5-2 loss away to Union Saint-Gilloise last Sunday. In that match, the goals for Cercle came from S. Ngoura (penalty) and an own goal by an opponent.
Staff changes
Simultaneously, Cercle Brugge are implementing significant changes to the backroom staff. Ian Coll has been appointed as the new Head of Performance. Coll previously worked with Friis at Sparta Prague and replaces Almeida, who was dismissed two months ago.
Another departure is Aurélien Collin, who leaves the club and returns to Madrid. The reshuffle is intended to bring fresh impetus during a tough spell. The next test is scheduled for Sunday 1 November, when Cercle Brugge host Antwerp at the Jan Breydel Stadium; Antwerp currently sit 11th.
The team's recent results show a mixed picture: a 2-1 win at Sporting Hasselt, with goals from A. Manneh and S. Ngoura, was followed by defeats to Anderlecht and Union. Their recent form over the last four matches reads one win and three defeats. Captain Hannes Van Der Bruggen and his teammates urgently need to pick up points to prevent the 22-point gap to leaders Gent from widening further.
The report in full is at voetbalnieuws.be
