Alex Pastoor is not the main candidate to succeed Mark van Bommel at Royal Antwerp FC, Sacha Tavolieri knows. According to the Belgian journalist, Jonas De Roeck has the best credentials. Pastor is on a list.

Tavolieri knows that several meetings have taken place between Antwerp officials and De Roeck's entourage. The 44-year-old former professional footballer is seen as the favorite to work for the reigning national champions.

De Roeck has, among other things, outlined what transfers he can expect next summer. The past at Anderlecht between Jean Kindermans (Head of Youth Training) and De Roeck has given him a clear advantage over the other candidates on the shortlist.

Antwerp's management is mainly looking for a young trainer who can get along well with youth players. Partly for that reason, Pastoor is not at the top of the list, or so the rumors are.

At Antwerp they think that De Roeck's status as a former professional footballer can be useful in helping supporters understand the club's new situation. Antwerp is in financial trouble.

Tavolieri previously revealed that Marc Overmars, who unlike Van Bommel has decided to stay, is charmed by Pastoor's football vision and would like to transfer him to Belgium.

It is unclear how Pastoor himself views the situation. He announced some time ago that he would leave Almere City. The 57-year-old coach has been working at the club from Flevoland since the beginning of 2022 and thinks it is time for a new challenge.

During his active career, De Roeck played for Antwerp over two periods, between 1998-2001 and 2013-2015. He also spent six years in the youth academy of the club from Antwerp.

As a trainer, De Roeck was at the helm of Berchem Sport and KVC Westerlo, among others. At RSC Anderlecht he trained the reserves and was an assistant to the first team. He was fired from Westerlo in December last year.

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