Colin Coosemans’ history at KV Mechelen was marked by tensions, notably due to the influence of agent Dejan Veljkovic and the decisions of the former technical director, Olivier Renard. During the 2014-2015 season, while Coosemans hoped to establish himself in the team, Renard preferred to recruit the experienced Jean-François Gillet, a close friend of Renard and also influenced by Veljkovic’s networks.
A controversial recruitment of Gillet
Initially recruited as a goalkeeper for the future, Coosemans saw his prospects diminish with the surprise arrival of Jean-François Gillet. A long-time friend of Renard, Gillet, who enjoyed the trust of goalkeeper coach Philippe Vande Walle, was placed as first choice, relegating Coosemans to the bench, then to the stands once Anthony Moris, also Veljkovic’s client, was reinstated.
Suspicions of favoritism and private meetings
According to Coosemans, there was clear favoritism towards Gillet and Moris, accentuated by personal and professional ties between Renard, Vande Walle, and Veljkovic. Coosemans revealed in an explosive interview that these three men met regularly, fueling a feeling of alienation. During the winter preparation of 2016, rumors even circulated that Renard, Vande Walle, Gillet and Moris shared moments in private, reinforcing Coosemans’ uneasiness.
End of journey under influence
Finally, at the end of the 2015-2016 season, Renard and Gillet left Mechelen for Standard de Liège, Renard taking his friend Gillet with him. These departures confirmed in Coosemans’ eyes that the management of goalkeepers had been guided by personal and professional preferences, thus illustrating the internal tensions and suspicions of conflicts of interest which marked his time at KV Mechelen.
