Cercle Brugge sack Onur Cinel after defeat to RAAL La Louviere
Cercle Brugge have sacked head coach Onur Cinel following a home defeat to RAAL La Louviere. This loss means the team will finish in the bottom four of the Jupiler Pro League for the second consecutive season. The club now hopes to appoint a new manager quickly for the relegation play-offs.
What went wrong?
According to an earlier article by HLN, Cercle Brugge struggled to score goals despite creating chances. This was one of the main reasons for Cinel's dismissal. The club finished the season with 38 points (9W-11D-13L) and a goal difference of -2 (48 goals scored, 50 conceded).
Who are the potential replacements?
Two names have emerged as potential replacements: Sven Vandenbroeck, former head coach of Zulte Waregem, and Besnik Hasi, who almost joined Cercle Brugge last season. Both managers are currently out of work and available immediately.
What's next?
Cercle Brugge hope to appoint a new manager before their final regular-season game, at home to Charleroi on 13 February 2027. While Dender's poor season means Cercle Brugge are not in immediate danger of relegation, the club does not want to enter the play-offs overconfident.
