Zulte Waregem officially appoint former Liverpool coach as new head coach

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from DaveOCKOP or go back to LFC Live.

Image Credits: Imago ImagesFormer Liverpool coach Michael Beale has returned to management more than two years after his short spell on Wearside.Beale has been without a senior managerial role since leaving Sunderland in February 2024, where his tenure lasted just 63 days. He later had a brief stint under Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq but had not held a permanent head coach position since.The 45-year-old has now been appointed head coach of Zulte Waregem on a two-year deal, marking his first managerial role since his Sunderland exit.He takes over a side that finished 13th in the Belgian Pro League and dropped into the relegation play-offs, but secured survival by winning five and drawing one of their six matches.

His spell at the Stadium of Light lasted just 12 games.Beale has also held coaching roles at Liverpool, Chelsea and Sao Paulo, beginning his career in youth development with Chelsea before moving to Liverpool in 2012. He spent four seasons as coach of Liverpool’s U21s before being promoted to U23 head coach.“Over the past few weeks, I have gotten to know the club very well,” Beale said.

I look forward to meeting the fans for the first time at the start of the new season as well.”Zulte Waregem sports manager Niels Leroy added: “The appointment of Michael as head coach is a new step for us towards sporting stability and ambition.“During the discussions, Michael made a strong impression and was able to perfectly translate his football vision to the qualities of our team.“Last season, Steve Colpaert and the coaching staff succeeded in quickly securing survival. Steve Colpaert wordt assistent-coach.👉 Ontdek alle informatie over onze nieuwe coach via https://t.co/2jHAeUgsuu pic.twitter.com/MbXPWVHwzc— SV Zulte Waregem (@esseveeofficial) May 19, 2026 Michael Beale Zulte Waregem