‘Momentum was lost’: Top on the sacking of sister club’s manager
MOVE COMES AHEAD OF OH LEUVEN’S CRUCIAL PROMOTION PLAY-OFF CITY NEWS
LEICESTER City’s sister club OH Leuven have sacked their manager ahead of a promotion play-off.
Vincent Euvrard has been relieved of his duties at the Belgian club even though they are just 90 minutes away from reaching the top flight.
Leuven will host Beerschot behind closed doors on August 2 in the second leg of the play-off - Leuven trail 1-0 from the first leg - in a match that was originally due to take place in the week the coronavirus shut down football around Europe.
But Euvrard will no longer be in the dugout. Although he guided Leuven into the play-off by topping the table in the first half of the season, their form dipped thereafter.
In a statement, City and Leuven chairman Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha said: “Vince took over in a difficult period and showed his qualities as a coach.
“He led the team to the lead halfway through the season.
“That good work resulted in a place in the final and a chance of promotion. Vince and his team deserve credit for this.
“However, momentum was lost during the second period and the board decided to intervene now. This is to achieve our goals this season and to use our full potential next season.
“We thank Vince for his hard work and we wish him all the best in his further career.”
Euvrard’s assistants will take over while Leuven search for a replacement. The club are also keeping a keen eye on a hearing at the Belgian Court of Arbitration for Sport brought by Waasland-Beveren, who have argued that their relegation from Division 1A is illegitimate, because the league was cancelled.
By overturning the 1-0 deficit in the second leg of the promotion play-off, Leuven hope to take Waasland-Beveren’s place.