Anderlecht hires Vítor Bruno, director explains decision

Anderlecht have named 43‑year‑old Vítor Bruno as their new head coach, a move that surprised many within the club. Sporting director Michael Verschueren explained that Bruno, who spent six months leading FC Porto after succeeding Sergio Conceição, fits the club’s desire for youthful, offensive football aligned with technical director Antoine Sibierski.

The appointment was announced the day before yesterday, shortly after the squad resumed training. The timing caught many off guard, as the club had not expected a coach with limited experience in the Belgian championship.

Vérsueren spoke from the United States, attending a Bill Gates foundation meeting rather than the Belgian national team. He used the occasion to clarify why the club chose Bruno over other candidates.

Anderlecht’s board hopes Bruno will reinstate a high‑pressing, possession‑based style that the club traditionally employed. Vérsueren added that previous coaches were not at fault, but lacked the player material needed for that approach.

According to Verschueren, Bruno’s unfamiliarity with the Belgian championship can be both a disadvantage and an advantage. He argued that not knowing the league allows the coach to implement his preferred football without preconceptions.

Sibierski said the club now takes more time in its selections, avoiding hasty decisions based solely on Belgian options. He compared the current rigorous selection to the process that led to Antoine’s own appointment.

Vérsueren confirmed that Bruno was always Antoine’s favorite and that other names were irrelevant. He specifically mentioned that Wouter Vrancken, Geraerts and Pocognoli never appeared on the shortlist.