Club Brugge has made a surprise move, sacking coach Nicky Hayen just two days before their crucial Champions League match against Arsenal.
The Belgian club has appointed Ivan Leko, a former manager, as Hayen’s replacement. Leko previously managed Club Brugge from 2017-2019 and has now joined from KAA Gent.
Hayen had been at the helm since March 2024, leading Brugge to the league title in dramatic fashion. He had also guided the team to a strong Champions League performance last season, finishing second to Union Saint-Gilloise in the domestic championship.
However, this season has seen a dip in form, with Brugge slipping from second to third place after a weekend defeat to St. Truiden. League leaders Union now have a five-point advantage over them.
Leko’s appointment has come as a surprise to Gent, who said they were unaware of the move. “I just learned through the press that Nicky Hayen has been dismissed from Club Brugge and that Ivan Leko is his successor,” Gent chairman Sam Baro said.
Leko had a release clause in his KAA Gent contract, allowing him to leave for a reported fee of around one million euros ($1.16 million).
Brugge currently sits outside the qualifying places in 26th spot, needing to beat Arsenal to have any chance of making February’s knockout stages.
