“If Domenico Tedesco is fired, the new coach must be Belgian”: this is what comes out more and more often when talking about a potential dismissal of Domenico Tedesco. But who would actually be suitable for the position?
It has been since 2016 and the departure of Marc Wilmots that the Red Devils have not been supervised by a Belgian coach. Will the one who succeeds Roberto Martinez and Domenico Tedesco be? In any case, it is a need that is increasingly felt.
The first names to come up spontaneously are those of Hein Vanhaezebrouck, Michel Preud’homme and Philippe Clement. Three men with enough authority and a full CV to manage a locker room in full transition.
Michel Preud’Homme definitely to be forgotten?
But each of them has obstacles to overcome to eventually succeed Tedesco. Let’s start with Michel Preud’homme. The former coach of Standard, from La Gantoise and Club Brugge, is a name that has come up often in the past. But it’s been four years since he took a well-deserved rest.
He now resides in Tenerife and has stated on several occasions that he does not see himself returning to the world of professional football. MPH of course maintains a privileged relationship with the new technical director of the Belgian Union, Vincent Mannert. But will that be enough to convince him to come back? There is a step. Same observation for Karel Geraerts, whom Mannaert also knew in Bruges and who has been without a club since his dismissal at Schalke 04.
Hein Vanhaezebrouck trop têtu?
Relations with Mannaert are precisely what is blocking things for Hein Vanhaezebrouck. In the world of football, everyone knows that the new technical director of the Belgian Union never appreciated Vanhaezebrouck’s comments. The latter is rather “unfiltered” during his press conferences and always says what he thinks.
This displeased Mannaert on several occasions when he was still in the management of the Club de Bruges. HVH has always been a complete coach, who liked to do things his way. Even if his tactical contribution and his intransigence towards the group would be undeniable, this could be the reason for his candidacy.
Not a good time for Philippe Clement
Then there is Philippe Clement. Another well-known name from Vincent Mannaert’s repertoire. However… Clement loves football club and doesn’t give up easily. At 50 years old, the project does not come at the right time.
And then there is the financial aspect. Although he is criticized there, the Belgian coach is still under contract until 2028 with the Glasgow Rangers. If the federation already agrees to pay Tedesco’s severance pay, it should also pay that of Philippe Clément if it absolutely wants to. And it is not the current state of finances that pushes in this direction.
Having barely arrived, Vincent Mannaert will already have a lot on his plate. Starting with…the case of Domenico Tedesco who is, all the same, still in office.
