Antwerp eyes surprising coaching candidate as search intensifies

Antwerp still has no head coach and has now placed Marvin Compper on its shortlist alongside Marink Reedijk, keeping the Great Old in a race for a new manager. The club wants a quick decision as pre‑season preparation continues and the league start draws nearer.

According to Het , Reedijk was the first name to circulate widely. The 34‑year‑old Dutchman enjoyed an unbeaten season with SK Beveren in the Challenger Pro League, a rare achievement in modern football.

Antwerp’s opening fixture is against Beveren, meaning that if Reedijk lands the Bosuil job he would immediately face his former side. That scenario has been discussed for some time but remains on the table until a final choice is made.

Compper, a 41‑year‑old German (Duitser), is currently an assistant at St. Gallen, a club that will meet Benfica in the Europa League. His profile is markedly different, as he has never served as a head coach before.

The German brings international experience and a pre‑existing link to Antwerp through Faris Haroun, who trained with Compper during his coaching course in Belgium and now sits on the Great Old’s technical staff.

As a player, Compper built a solid career with Hoffenheim, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Fiorentina and Celtic, primarily as a central defender, and earned one cap for Germany.

Antwerp appears torn between two distinct directions: Reedijk offers a proven record as a head coach, while Compper offers broader international exposure and a familiar face in Haroun. The new manager will have little time to imprint his ideas before the season begins.

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