Carl Hoefkens leaves NAC Breda for OH Leuven: return to Belgium after failed Eredivisie adventure
Carl Hoefkens (47) is leaving NAC Breda and making the move to OH Leuven. The Belgian manager, who was unable to prevent NAC from being relegated from the Eredivisie, returns to his home country. That is according to Het Laatste Nieuws. Hoefkens still has a running contract in Breda, meaning NAC are expected to receive a transfer fee.
From fighting talk to farewell
It is a remarkable turn of events: shortly after NAC Breda's relegation from the Eredivisie, Carl Hoefkens declared he was 'not finished' at the club and described himself as 'a fighter, someone who is out for revenge and wants to do everything to battle back with this club.' A genuine second chance in Breda, however, will not materialise. The manager is on the verge of putting pen to paper at OH Leuven, the Belgian top-flight club where he will succeed Felice Mazzu, who departed at the end of the season.
Hoefkens's name long linked to OH Leuven
The interest from Leuven came as no surprise. The 47-year-old coach's name had surfaced repeatedly in connection with the Belgian club over recent months. Yet a departure from NAC long seemed unlikely, not least because Hoefkens himself had publicly stated his desire to stay in Breda. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the deal between Hoefkens and OH Leuven is now all but done. The club wants to build a long-term project with the experienced coach.
Supporters wanted him gone immediately
While Hoefkens was making the case for his own future in Breda, the NAC supporters saw things very differently. After a dismal season that ended in relegation and a return to the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, backing for the manager had all but evaporated. During the crucial relegation match, banners carrying blunt messages aimed at the coach were already on display inside the stadium.
One season in Breda, previously head coach at Club Brugge and Standard Luik
Hoefkens began his only season as NAC Breda manager last year but failed to keep the club in the Eredivisie. With his move to OH Leuven he returns to Belgium, where he previously served as head coach at Club Brugge and Standard Luik. Because he still has an active contract with NAC, the Breda club are expected to receive a financial compensation for his departure. An official confirmation from NAC Breda is yet to follow.
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Source: Via Omroep Brabant (GNews)
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