breaking: Zulte Waregem Parts Ways With Assistant Coach Mark Luijpers After Six Months

Just before the winter break, Zulte Waregem announced a surprise shake-up in its coaching staff, parting ways with assistant coach Mark Luijpers after six months in the role under head coach Sven Vandenbroeck.The decision has sparked questions about how it was handled and the timing of the departure.

What happened

Luijpers joined Elindus Arena as the successor to Mo Messoudi, after a stint as head coach at Beerschot VA in his native Netherlands. Even though he and Vandenbroeck had been teammates at one point, the Belgian adventure quickly turned tough on a deeply personal level.

The first major blow came in September with the sudden death of Luijpers’s father. Soon after, his wife was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. he described the toll of facing such challenges while living alone in Waregem, noting that his personal struggles sometimes affected his focus on football.

Timeline of key moments

Reactions from Luijpers

Luijpers described the dismissal as unexpected and, given his personal circumstances, “bizarre.” He said the decision was delivered in a way he found hard to accept, arguing that the timing and method lacked humanity—especially for a club that presents itself as a family environment.

Vandenbroeck’s response

The head coach was asked to comment on Luijpers’s claims. He rejected the accusation of a lack of empathy, expressing sorrow for his own family while emphasizing his preference for a committed and motivated staff.He acknowledged that some people perceive him as “a cool frog,” but insisted that those who truly know him understand he is not indifferent to others’ struggles.

Evergreen takeaways for clubs

This case highlights the delicate balance between professional duties and personal crises.It underscores the importance of clear, compassionate interaction when decisions affect staff wellbeing. For teams, maintaining a obvious process while honoring privacy can help prevent misunderstandings during challenging times.

Reader engagement

What is your take on how clubs should weigh personal hardships against professional performance when making staffing decisions?

Should clubs publicly address sensitive personnel changes to protect transparency, or keep private matters confidential to respect those involved?

Conclusion and call to action

As the season pauses for the winter break, Zulte Waregem faces questions about leadership style and crisis management. Readers are invited to share their views on how best to handle tough personnel news while supporting those navigating personal trials.

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion below.