BRUSSELS, Belgium – Thorsten Fink has revealed the reasons behind his decision not to take the head coaching position at Anderlecht following the departure of Besnik Hasi in February. The German manager, previously with Sint-Truiden and Genk in the Belgian Pro League, explained that the timing and the club’s internal situation didn’t align with his vision for a successful tenure.
Fink’s name surfaced as a potential replacement for Hasi almost immediately, as reported by HLN and confirmed by multiple sources [1, 2]. Anderlecht were reportedly keen on hiring a coach who wasn’t currently under contract to avoid potential compensation costs. However, discussions ultimately stalled, leading to Edward Still taking over as interim manager.
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Fink detailed his concerns. “I had a good conversation with Anderlecht, but I didn’t see how I could implement my ideas there,” he said [3]. “It wasn’t the right moment to start. There wasn’t a concrete plan.”
The situation at Anderlecht at the time was, according to Fink, too unstable for him to confidently step into the role. He pointed to the subsequent departure of the club’s technical director as a key factor. “Not long after our conversation, the technical director was also let travel. That’s not exactly a stable foundation on which to build something,” Fink added [3].
Fink’s time at Genk ended in December 2025, after a promising start to the season deteriorated. He had previously enjoyed success at Sint-Truiden, where his team played attractive football and developed young talent – a quality that would have appealed to Anderlecht, a club known for its strong academy [1]. However, his Genk stint ultimately proved disappointing, and the club’s struggles contributed to his dismissal.
While a move to Anderlecht didn’t materialize, Fink has since found a new challenge. He has signed a contract with Turkish side Samsunspor, committing to the club until June 2027 [3]. This move represents a fresh start for the 58-year-old coach, allowing him to implement his tactical ideas in a new environment.
The search for a permanent manager at Anderlecht continues. The club is likely to be looking for a coach who can stabilize the team and build a long-term project, something Fink felt wasn’t immediately possible given the circumstances. The timing of the managerial search proved crucial, and Fink’s assessment highlights the importance of a clear vision and stable leadership structure for any football club.
Anderlecht fans may have once been optimistic about the prospect of Fink taking charge, given his previous success in Belgium. However, his reservations about the club’s current state ultimately led him to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The club now faces the task of finding a manager who can navigate the challenges and restore Anderlecht to its former glory.
The Belgian Pro League is known for its competitive nature, and Anderlecht will require a strong leader to compete with the likes of Club Brugge and Genk. The appointment of a new manager will be a critical decision for the club, and they will need to carefully consider their options to ensure they identify the right fit.
Fink’s decision serves as a reminder that even experienced managers carefully evaluate the conditions before accepting a new role. A clear plan, a stable leadership structure, and a supportive environment are all essential ingredients for success in the demanding world of professional football.
Samsunspor will be hoping that Fink can bring his experience and tactical acumen to Turkey, and facilitate the club achieve its ambitions. For Anderlecht, the search for a new manager continues, with the club hoping to find a coach who can bring stability and success back to the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.
What’s Next: Anderlecht will continue their search for a permanent manager, while Edward Still remains in charge on an interim basis. The club’s next match is against Genk on March 17th, 2026, a fixture that will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and observers alike.
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