Belgian club KRC Genk have parted ways with Danish coach Jess Thorup with immediate effect following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The club confirmed on Tuesday, November 10, that assistant coach Imre Szabics would also leave, bringing an end to their time at the Cegeka Arena.
Genk’s decision follows an underwhelming run of results in the Jupiler Pro League, where they sit seventh after 11 matches with 15 points from a possible 33.
The club’s management had become increasingly concerned about the team’s performances and its failure to make the progress required to challenge near the top of the standings.
In its official statement, Genk said its current position did not meet the objectives set before the start of the season. The club also pointed to a lack of improvement in the team’s performances in recent weeks.
Genk explained that it had initially opted for internal discussions rather than making the situation public, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to work with the players to reverse the team’s fortunes.
However, those efforts failed to deliver the desired response. Following a thorough evaluation, the management concluded that a change in leadership was necessary to provide the squad with a fresh impetus.
Thorup’s departure comes after a difficult period for Genk, whose latest setback was a 1-0 defeat away to Union Saint-Gilloise on Sunday. It was their second consecutive league loss by that scoreline.
The Danish tactician was appointed ahead of the 2026/27 season, returning for a second spell after previously having a brief stint at the club in 2020. He had earlier managed Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
In the interim, Peter Balette and Domenico Olivieri will take charge of training while Genk begin the search for a new head coach.
The Belgian side will hope the appointment of a new technical leader can restore consistency and help revive their campaign.
