Heine’s massive surprise in Ghent? “I certainly don’t rule it out.”

AA Gent are currently preparing for their final three matches of the season. Also the last three with Hein Vanhaysbrouck at the helm. The Buffaloes officially announced this week that the collaboration with the head coach will end after the season.

After doing a good job as head coach of KV Kortrijk and despite the misadventure at KRC Genk, Vanhaezebrouck was appointed T1 from Buffalos for the first time in 2014. This turned out to be a good move. Under his leadership, the first and so far only national title in the club’s history was won in 2015.

The following year, Gent also showed great things in the Champions League. But over time, the collaboration became rusty. In the fall of 2017, the coach chose to leave for RSC Anderlecht. However, this pass was not successful and in the meantime Ghent themselves had difficulty finding a suitable head coach.

Break by mutual agreement

At the end of 2020, the two sides decided to deal with each other again. This led to, among other things, a cup win, three European qualifying final victories and a number of European highlights. However, there was also increasing internal friction. Van Heesbrouck’s public attacks, including on the board, did not help matters.

So his relationship with new owner Sam Barrow won’t be entirely good. Furthermore, Vanhisbrouck’s expiring contract has not yet been extended. On Tuesday morning the break was also officially confirmed. “After mutual consultation, the coach and the club have decided not to renew their partnership again at the end of this season,” the statement read.

King Heine III?

While Wouter Franken is named as the successor, we will also have to wait and see what the future holds for Vanhaysbrouck. He himself has already made it clear that there is a “plan in his head.” In recent weeks, he has also appeared increasingly as a television analyst, including on the program “Play Sports.” Although it seems unlikely that he will end his coaching career once and for all now.

Wim de Koninck predicts a big surprise. According to him, a third Ghent term is not out of the question. Especially if things go bad for the buffalo. “I don’t completely rule out Heine working a third time at AA Gent in the future,” says the analyst. “After all, he creates order in chaos. Everyone knows what he can do for you.” The newspaper.