If the successful Philippe Clement Club ever wants to leave Bruges, the Eredivisie is a good next step for him, according to Tom Saintfiet, the current national coach of The Gambia. Countryman Eric Gerets is taken as an example. The former right back made the switch as a trainer in 1999 from Bruges to PSV, where he would eventually work for three seasons.
Saintfiet also thinks that there are still plenty of challenges for Clement at Bruges. “Becoming champion of Belgium again, getting satisfaction from developing talent and doing something in the Champions League, I think there are still enough goals for both Club Brugge and Philippe”, it says in an interview with Sports / Football magazine. “But if he’s ready? Why not?”, Saintfiet hints at a possible adventure for Clement abroad. PSV would be an ideal next step in the view of the Gambia’s elected lord.
“Gerets preceded him, from Club Brugge to PSV”, Saintfiet draws a comparison. “Working there still sounds better for the outside world than Club Brugge.” What follows are just examples of recent trainers at the top clubs in the Netherlands. “PSV opened doors for Phillip Cocu, Ajax for Frank de Boer. Failed everywhere, but always offers. Maybe Clement should go to PSV. Roger Schmidt is not one hundred percent convincing either. As a first step for a Belgian, the Netherlands is always a bit easier. “
Saintfiet also knows that there may be disadvantages for Clement to a transition from the Pro League to the Eredivisie. “The biggest problem is the adaptation of culture. You think: well, I control it in one country, it will be the same everywhere, but every country is different. Going to play for the championship in the Netherlands would be a good move. “said the coach working in Gambia. Clement, who has been associated with Bruges since mid-2019, has a contract in the Jan Breydel Stadium that will run for more than a year.