Anderlecht bid farewell to Broos
Hugo Broos has been sacked as coach of Belgian champions RSC Anderlecht, with his assistant Franky Vercauteren taking the reins.
Disappointing campaign
Anderlecht exited the UEFA Champions League group stage without picking up a point, are out of the Belgian Cup and lie 14 points behind Club Brugge KV in the Belgian First Division after yesterday's goalless draw at KAA Gent. That proved to be the 52-year-old Broos's last game in charge. The former R. Excelsior Mouscron, RWDM Molenbeek and Brugge coach was appointed in 2002 and masterminded last season's title triumph, being voted Belgium's coach of the year.
'Sad decision'
A club statement read: "Anderlecht stress their sadness at this decision, especially in light of the professional and prestigious work that Mr Broos has done here. Nor do we want to give the coach full responsibility for any problems. The club has taken this decision after intense deliberation in order to be able to achieve the results we expect. We wish Mr Broos success in his future career."
Season's target
Vercauteren, 48, was capped 63 times by Belgium and needs to ensure Anderlecht at least hold on to second place to earn another Champions League chance. His contract runs until summer 2008.
Source: uefa.com
