Besnik Hasi (52) will leave KV Mechelen after the season. The Kosovo-Belgian coach did not want to reveal anything about his future on Friday, but said that clarity must be provided quickly and has now made the decision.
Hasi took over from Steven Defour in November and managed to get Malinwa playing and winning football again. He kept the club in the first division and can still deliver European football, but will soon be looking for a new challenge.
“The decision was made today so that it is clear for every party and the speculation can come to an end,” KV communicated shortly after the convincing win against OHL. “The club would like to thank Besnik for the great series he achieved and thus ensured that the club could dream. The club will take the time to look for a coach for the new season.”
Hasi: “Hopefully the club shows the right ambition for next season”
The news had already leaked at the final whistle. Hasi had no choice but to inform his players as well. “I did indeed wait until after the match to inform my players about it. Of course I didn’t want to disrupt this match. I had already informed my staff on Friday. I had already made the decision last week, after the match against AA Gent.”
The 3-1 defeat against the Buffaloes was not necessarily the signal for Hasi to make a decision. The coach and his entourage were unable to reach an agreement in negotiations with the board. “We have indeed not found an agreement. I will not go into more detail about what the breaking points were,” Hasi understandably avoided questions about a possible financial issue. “I can also say that it has nothing to do with another club, because there is not one yet. I don’t have any prospects for next season yet,” the coach shut down the rumors surrounding AA Gent.
Hasi is of course still ending his contract with Mechelen. In the last four matches, KV must try to challenge AA Gent in the Europe Play-offs. “My players know me and know that I don’t know the word salad bowls. Moreover, they also have to prove themselves for a new trainer, a new contract or a new club. In any case, I also regret my departure. I enjoyed working here. I want to thank the players, the staff and the fans. I did my job here. Hopefully the club shows the right ambition for next season. Would I have stayed if we had made it to the Champions’ Play-offs? I don’t know,” Hasi concluded.
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