Schroeder sees something in Hofkins as a possible successor to club president: ‘Karl does well in discussions’ | Club Brugge wins its third consecutive national title

With his first national title as coach, Schroeder leaves the club through the big gate towards Ajax. The blue and black board now examines the ideal profiles as a successor: this may be a famous name, but at Carl Hoefkens Club there is also an assistant who knows the house well and can continue to grow in the style of Philippe Clement. In the decisive title match in Antwerp, Hoefkens showed himself ostentatiously along the sidelines after leading 1-3, to the delight of Schroeder and Promise coach Rick de Mill. “That was so much fun,” Schroeder said on the football talk show. Rick and I were like, ‘It’s not going to go wrong again with 25 minutes left. Carl was still very busy, and Rick asked, “Do you want to fill in Carl?” (laughs). We have such a great relationship with each other, it’s great that you can build that in such a short time.”

When asked if Karl Hofkins was ready to succeed him, Schroeder kept Church in the middle. “You never know. But in the discussions – we will let him introduce the opponent – he does a very good job. I think he is still improving in his way of training.”

And Schroeder did not show the back of his tongue if he would like to take some players from Brugge to Ajax, like Noah Lang perhaps? “He just came from there. If he takes a step, the outside will be a great stage.” Schroeder is convinced that Hans Vanaken will not look out of place in Ajax: “Hans can play in Ajax, one hundred percent in terms of football.”