Top-flight football club OH Leuven introduced Chris Coleman as their new head coach on Monday afternoon.
The former manager of the Welsh national team replaces the dismissed Spaniard, Oscar Garcia, and signed a contract in Leuven until 2026.
"It all happened very quickly," Coleman said at his first press conference at the King Power Stadium. "I didn’t have much time to get to know the club, but I saw no downside to the offer. I’ve worked abroad a lot and always wanted to coach in Belgium. The Jupiler Pro League is a strong and improving competition. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and look forward to the challenge."
OHL is currently thirteenth in the 1A league with eighteen points from sixteen games. Only KV Kortrijk (17 points), Cercle Brugge (15 points), and bottom-placed Beerschot (10 points) have fewer points. However, OHL is just five points behind sixth-placed AA Gent (23 points). Yesterday, they managed to halt RSC Anderlecht’s progress with a 0-0 draw.
"The competition is indeed tight, and I don’t see why we can’t aim for the top six," said the 54-year-old Welshman. "I’m used to fighting relegation and rebuilding clubs, but OHL is in the healthiest situation I’ve experienced in my managerial career. I saw many positives yesterday and want to secure the club’s position as soon as possible. We have the squad to be higher in the standings, but we also need to remain cautious. It won’t be easy."
Coleman identified areas for improvement from the Anderlecht game. "Sometimes we make too many passes before attempting a shot," he admitted. "I like attacking through the flanks and playing balls behind the defence, but my main goal at Leuven is to win. Mentality is crucial, and sometimes you need a bit of luck."
Coleman will be joined by his assistant Georgios Korakakis, who has previously worked with him at Greek club Atromitos and Cypriot club AEL Limassol. The 48-year-old Greek will arrive in Belgium on Tuesday.
