Foreign press reports have revealed the challenges facing Jess Thorup, the head coach of Belgian club Genk, with his new team amid a decline in results.
Jess Thorup took charge of Belgian side Genk at the start of the current season, after leaving Al Ahly at the end of the previous season.
A Modest Start
Genk has played its first seven rounds of the Belgian league this season under Thorup. The team currently sits tenth in the standings with nine points, having won only two matches and drawn three. They trail the league leaders, Union Saint-Gilloise and Gent, by a full ten points.
The Danish newspaper Tipsbladet reported that things have not gone as hoped for Thorup so far, noting that the Danish coach is now under scrutiny and facing increasing pressure.
Criticism from a Belgian Star
In a related context, Marc Degryse, a former star of the Belgian national team and clubs Gent and PSV Eindhoven, discussed Genk's level under coach Jess Thorup, pointing to issues regarding the team's playing style.
Marc Degryse stated in comments carried by Tipsbladet: "Thorup has not yet succeeded in establishing any attacking patterns within his team... I see no clear structure in their play."
Playing Style
He added: "Questions about how to create space or how to move on the pitch are met with responses like 'we will see about that'... This is a real problem, and there is also a mental issue within the squad."
This is the second time Thorup has managed Genk; however, his first stint as head coach lasted only five matches, as FC Copenhagen wished to sign him at that time.
Jess Thorup had left his role as Al Ahly's coach just months after being appointed, having won one trophy, the Egyptian Super Cup, while losing out on the Egyptian Premier League, the CAF Champions League, the Egypt Cup, and the League Cup.
