KBVB spoke with Pocognoli, but appointed Van Bommel as national team coach

In a closed meeting room of the KBVB, the Belgian football association sat this summer with two notable candidates: former midfielder Mark van Bommel and former AS Monaco coach Sébastien Pocognoli. The talks formed the starting point of a rapid search for a successor to Rudi Garcia.

Search for a new national team coach

After the World Cup, the KBVB decided to end the partnership with Rudi Garcia. The departure of the French coach left an empty seat at the Red Devils. The association immediately launched a focused search.

Mark van Bommel came into view early and was concretely approached. It was confirmed that Van Bommel was one of the few candidates with a serious chance. His experience as a coach and former player made him attractive.

Also Sébastien Pocognoli, former AZ player and recent AS Monaco coach, was approached by the KBVB. The media outlet reported that he was among the candidates with whom actual contact was made. Pocognoli even sat at the table with the Belgian association.

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‘Pocognoli was on the radar of many countries and spoke, among others, with the Belgian football association. One conversation that was not followed up further’. Despite the talk, this did not lead to further negotiations.

Eventually the KBVB chose a different route and appointed Mark van Bommel as the new national team coach of the Red Devils. The decision was made after the talks with Pocognoli remained without follow‑up.

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Pocognoli did not have to wait long for a national role. With interest from several countries he eventually got the position of national team coach of Scotland. Thus his search ended at another European top.