Monday, January 2, 2023 at 7:10 PM• Wessel Antes • Last update: 19:10

Scott Parker was officially presented as the new head coach of Club Brugge on Monday. The 42-year-old Englishman succeeds Carl Hoefkens at the Belgian top club, which is currently fourth in the Pro League. Parker honestly admitted during the press conference that he doesn’t really understand the Belgian play-off system yet.

Parker has so far only managed Fulham and Bournemouth in England, where the play-offs look different. In the coming weeks he will delve more into the Belgian league. “I know about it, but I’m not quite sure yet. I still don’t understand the playoffs. I’ve also played play-offs in England, but it’s very different here. It certainly won’t be the first time.” Parker signed a contract on Monday that will keep him at the Jan Breydel Stadium until mid-2025.

Club faces a tough task if it still wants to become champion. Leader KRC Genk is currently no less than twelve points away from Parker’s new club. Still, the brand new coach does not want to rule out anything. “Do I still believe in the title? I am realistic and know that it will be extremely difficult, but we will certainly not shy away from the challenge. In the near future we will see what is still possible. I want to win and be the best.”

Parker will have to deal with three Dutchmen at Club: Noa Lang, Bjorn Meijer and Ruud Vormer. The eighteen-time international of the Three Lions thinks he is a good fit for his new employer. “My vision is in line with that of the club. I have had some in-depth conversations with the policymakers. Club Brugge has a young team that can still grow enormously. I am looking forward to it, this team just looks very good.” Club will be back in action next Sunday, when the game against league-leader Genk is scheduled.