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Club Brugge have dramatically sacked coach Nicky Heyn just two days before their crucial Champions League clash armoryand swiftly re-appointed former manager Ivan Leko.
Leko, 47, who previously managed Brugge from 2017-2019, has joined from KAA Gent, having expressed complete ignorance about the move.
Gent chairman Sam Barro expressed surprise: “I have just learned through the press that Nicky Heyn has been sacked from Club Brugge and Ivan Leko is his successor. I am as shocked as anyone else. I can only say that Club Brugge have not contacted us.”
Belgian media reported that Leko’s contract at Gent included a release clause, worth around one million euros.
Hayne, 45, has been in charge since March 2024 and stepped down from the assistant post following the sacking of Ronny Deila.
Despite leading Brugge to a dramatic league title the previous season and a stellar performance in the Champions League, his tenure came to an abrupt end.
The club, who finished second domestically last campaign, have seen a dip in form this season, slipping to third after a weekend defeat against St Truiden, now five points behind leaders Union. The club released a statement thanking Hayne for his “hard work”.
Brugge are currently in 26th place with just four points from five Champions League games.
They must beat Arsenal to maintain any hopes of reaching the knockout stages in February, putting huge pressure on Leko for an immediate return.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have an excellent record in this season’s Champions League and are on course to easily reach the knockout stage of the competition.
Mikel Arteta’s side have made it five consecutive wins in Europe and defeated German champions Bayern Munich at the Emirates last time out.
The Gunners also defeated Athletic Bilbao, Olympiacos, Atletico Madrid and Slavia Prague to seal their place at the top of the 36-team league table with three Champions League gameweeks remaining.