It’s a strange divorce. Karel Geraerts and Union parted ways last summer after a failed contract extension. At Extra Time, the success trainer talks about the bizarre and difficult period. “I just made a reasonable proposal, so it was very difficult to understand,” Geraerts shares.
Filip Joos throws the inevitable question on the table: “Would Karel Geraerts still be a trainer of Union, if it had become champion last season?”
The trainer himself assured that the scenario would remain unchanged. “We just couldn’t reach an agreement during the negotiations,” Geraerts shares.
So where did it go wrong? “Union really wanted to break open my current contract. My intention was also to stay. I indicated that I also wanted to continue working under the same conditions, my commitment and will to win would not have changed.”
“But that track was unmentionable for Union, so they decided to put me out on the street. Then you’re just angry and disappointed. The first few days I had enough of it.”
To be clear, it was not Middle Eastern wages that I demanded.
Karel Geraerts
If you read between the lines: Geraerts wanted to extend for a higher salary, but Union wanted to commit his T1 to the same financial conditions for longer.
“To be clear, it wasn’t wages like in the Middle East that I demanded. I just made a reasonable offer, so it was very difficult to understand.”
“Union has a vision to adhere to certain conditions, perhaps that is also part of their success. I also noticed that in conversations with players who wanted to extend.”
But for Geraerts that was an absolute no go. “I knew that if I signed their proposal, I would be shifting in my chair in discomfort after a month. I also indicated that.”
The love for his former team is still there, but the coach has to move on. “The chapter is completely closed for me.”
He admits that he talked to Club Brugge and was also able to coach the Belgian U21. “Although I didn’t want to do the latter.”
“The big disadvantage of my dismissal was the timing. Almost all clubs had done their homework.”
Nevertheless, Geraerts remains calm: “For me it is very quiet to wait and see what comes next. I am convinced that I will soon be able to get back to work and enjoy myself.”
2023-09-04 20:20:44
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