Cercle Brugge bring in RB Salzburg’s German assistant as new head coach | OneFootball

Just a month or so after confirming that Bernd Storck would be given the chance to lead the side next season, Cercle Brugge have announced a coaching change. Storck, who was a departure from the clubs philosophy in recent seasons, has now been sacked in favour of RB Salzburg assistant Onur Cinel. The German will take up the role of head coach for the first time in his career. Cinel has also been working with Ralph Ragnick as part of the Austrian national team set-up.

It is unsurprising that Cercle have gone in this direction. While Storck was able to keep them up and likely would have done a decent job next season, the side want to maintain their footballing identity. Under Cinel, this is more likely to happen. However, the new man will also be under pressure to deliver. Miron Muslic worked wonders for the side just a season ago when he qualified for European football. The side then had to fight a relegation battle next season, something which the fans will not want to see a repeat of in 2025/2026. RB Salzburg are known for developing young talent, and Cinel will have plenty of that to work with at Cercle this season.

Under Storck, one would imagine their status as a Pro League side next season would have been guaranteed. Under Cinel, this is less clear cut. Yet, the upside of Cinel could be greater than what one would have imagined under Storck.

Either way, Storck himself should have plenty of suitors in the Belgian game. He is one of the best at turning around a sinking ship and at some point this season, clubs will be tempted to make a change.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson