Antwerp chooses inexperienced German over unbeaten Beveren boss

While Antwerp FC had been courting SK Beveren’s unbeaten promotion architect Marink Reedijk, Marc Overmars ultimately appointed 41‑year‑old German Marvin Compper as the club’s new head coach today (Vandaag) ahead of the season‑opening home match against Beveren on Sunday 9 August.

Reedijk impressed last season by steering SK Beveren unbeaten to promotion, guaranteeing the club a place in Belgium’s top tier this campaign (België). His record made him a standout candidate for the Antwerp job.

Despite his credentials, negotiations with Reedijk failed to produce an agreement, leaving the German club without their preferred choice. The Great Old therefore had to look elsewhere.

The Great Old also considered Marink Reedijk, but Marc Overmars opted for the 41‑year‑old German (Duitser) instead, signalling a different strategic direction. Compper is expected to bring colour back to Antwerp FC’s performances.

Compper arrives without any experience as a head coach, a notable gap in his résumé. Nevertheless, the club believes his fresh perspective can revitalize the squad.

His coaching résumé includes assistant roles at MSV Duisburg, Lokomotiv Moscow, RB Leipzig and St. Gallen (St), giving him exposure to diverse football cultures. These positions have prepared him for the challenges of leading Antwerp.

Antwerp’s season kicks off on Sunday 9 August with a home fixture against Beveren, offering Compper an immediate test of his ideas. The match will mark the start of a new chapter for the Great Old.