Former Liverpool winger confirmed as Belgium coach after post-World Cup change
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Belgium opted to change its coaching team following the World Cup, when it was eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals, having hammered the US in the round beforeBolo Zenden, Marcel Maijer and Theo Jansen before a Champions League game between Borussia Dortmund and PSV in 2024.(Image: Marcel van Dorst/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Netherlands winger Bolo Zenden has been named as one of the new assistant coaches of Belgium, with Mark van Bommel, the Bayern Munich legend, taking charge.Rudi Garcia, who was previously the manager, was let go by Belgium after the World Cup. The country's FA decided against renewing his contract, with Van Bommel and Zenden, who made 47 appearances for Liverpool, among those to be taking over."Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential," Van Bommel said in a press conference.
He was also in the Dutch team that reached the final of the World Cup in 2010, losing to Spain."Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty and commitment are," Van Bommel added. "We will give everything to help this team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud."Former Liverpool player Bolo Zenden.(Image: Stefan Koops / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Alongside Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond have also been named as Van Bommel's assistants."I am truly delighted that Mark van Bommel and his assistants have agreed to take on this challenge," Belgian soccer federation sports director Vincent Mannaert said."They are highly motivated and ambitious, and I am convinced that, with their international experience as both coaches and players, they will be perfectly placed to help our Belgian Red Devils continue to improve, achieve results and reach their full potential, both individually and as a team."The news comes on the same day that Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp was introduced as the new head coach of Germany, taking over from Julian Nagelsmann.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.During the press conference that confirmed his appointment, Klopp warned he would not hesitate to walk away from the job if media and public scrutiny impacted his family."The day you don't want me anymore, I'm gone — without any severance pay," he said."If you behave badly and don't leave my family in peace, I'm gone. I’m happy to work on it.