Frank Vercauteren, Sports Director Football of Belgium, spoke to Telecom Asia Sport about his recent appointment.
– How did the appointment come about and what are your duties in your new position?
– The federation decided to split the duties. Previously, Roberto Martínez was both head coach and technical/sporting director. He did a great job single-handedly, but the federation decided they didn't want it that way.
When the offer came, I had to decide whether to continue as head coach or do something else. I've wanted to try it for a long time. I've never really immersed myself in a job at this level, and I've never publicly stated that I wanted to be in this position. So my appointment came as a surprise to many.
Before accepting the position, I wondered if I could take the job. Do I need it or should I continue to grow as a coach? But this is a great opportunity to work at the top level that the Belgian national team is currently at.
I will work with the coach and try to create the conditions for him to do his job in the best way possible.
Specifically, I will be responsible for building a team of technicians, medics and other staff. I will also be responsible for the technical work of the women's and youth teams. Meanwhile, the people in charge of the organizational aspects will be working with me. So together we will do all the technical work for the Belgian team.
– Your wife is from Russia. Are you going to bring your family to Belgium?
– We are not planning to move out of Moscow. There is no need for that. Of course, my work requires me to stay in Belgium, but if my schedule allows, I will visit Russia.
– Were you surprised that you were appointed to the Belgian Football Federation despite your ties with Russia?
– They only considered my expertise and my professional qualities. They only asked questions about my well-being in Belgium, whether I would bring my family with me. That is, the questions I was asked were only about the welfare of my family and myself.
Vercauteren led Krylia Sovetov from 2014 to 2016. The day before, the Royal Belgian Football Federation announced the appointment of Vercauteren as sporting director, and former Spartak head coach Domenico Tedesco took charge of the Belgian national team.