Anderlecht’s Transfer Woes: Former Coach Besnik Hasi Reveals Lack of Input, Questions Club’s Direction
Brussels – Besnik Hasi, recently relieved of his duties as head coach of RSC Anderlecht, has publicly voiced his frustrations with the club’s transfer strategy, alleging a lack of consultation and a disconnect between the technical staff’s vision and the players brought in. In a candid interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, Hasi detailed instances where players were signed against his recommendations, ultimately hindering his ability to build a cohesive and competitive squad. The revelations come as Anderlecht struggles to find consistency in the Belgian Pro League, raising questions about the club’s long-term planning and decision-making processes.
Hasi, who was dismissed in February 2026, with Edward Still taking over as interim manager as confirmed by the club, emphasized that his dismissal felt particularly difficult given his deep connection to Anderlecht. He stated, “It remains painful and difficult. Doubly so because I love Anderlecht. It is my club.” But, the former coach now feels ready to discuss the circumstances surrounding his departure and the challenges he faced during his tenure. His comments shed light on a potentially fractured relationship between the coaching staff and the club’s directors, Olivier Renard, Tim Borguet and Thibault Dochy.
Limited Authority in Player Recruitment
According to Hasi, the core issue stemmed from a lack of control over player recruitment. He claims that Olivier Renard explicitly stated at the beginning of the season, “I am the one who composes the squad.” This declaration, Hasi asserts, effectively sidelined him from the process of identifying and acquiring players who fit his tactical approach. The consequence, he explains, was the arrival of players he had not requested or approved, creating difficulties in integrating them into the team. This situation, he believes, ultimately undermined his efforts to improve Anderlecht’s performance.
One specific example Hasi cited was the signing of Ukrainian forward Danylo Sikan. Whereas Sikan had been scouted previously, Hasi reportedly made it clear that he was not a priority target. “I didn’t want him, neither last summer nor this winter. Not at all,” Hasi stated. Sikan has struggled to make an impact since joining Anderlecht, failing to score in six appearances and being left out of the squad for a crucial match against Club Brugge, according to reports. The player’s acquisition appears to have been driven by data analysis championed by David Verwilghen, a strategy Hasi seemingly questioned.
Concerns Over Squad Composition and Experience
The issues extended beyond Sikan, with Hasi also expressing reservations about the signings of Ilic and Özcan. He had reportedly requested an experienced central defender to partner with existing player Hey, believing that Anderlecht needed “personality and quality” in that position. While Chancel Mbemba, a free agent at the time, was a target, a deal could not be reached due to financial constraints. Instead, the club opted for Ilic and Özcan, younger players who Hasi felt required further development. “I was not in favor of that choice, no,” he stated.
Hasi’s preference for an experienced defender highlights a broader concern about the overall balance of the Anderlecht squad. He felt the team lacked the necessary leadership and maturity to consistently compete at a high level. Interestingly, Hasi pointed to the emergence of Marco Kana as a positive outcome, noting that the player thrived when given opportunities despite initially being considered surplus to requirements. “It’s not normal that Marco Kana is your best defender. He was sidelined, he was supposed to leave… But the more confidence he received, the more he became a leader,” Hasi remarked.
Internal Disagreements and Lack of Support
Hasi’s account suggests a significant disconnect within the Anderlecht hierarchy. He alleges that the “three directors” – Renard, Borguet, and Dochy – initially promised to support his decisions but subsequently withdrew their backing. He recalls a period in September where he felt completely isolated, with no communication from the directors for three weeks, until the team began to achieve positive results. This perceived lack of support, he believes, contributed to the growing pressure and ultimately led to his dismissal.
The timing of Hasi’s dismissal also came into question. He claims that the decision was effectively made in late December, following a home defeat against Sporting Charleroi, despite the official announcement coming later in January. He acknowledges that the team’s failure to qualify for European competition weighed heavily on him throughout the season, but he also felt he could have achieved more with a more supportive environment and a squad aligned with his vision. Voetbalprimeur.be reported that Hasi felt he was ready to speak about his dismissal after a month and a half.
Calls for Improved Football Expertise
Looking ahead, Hasi emphasized the need for Anderlecht to strengthen its football expertise at the administrative level. He argued that the club requires “two, three capable people with experience, in important positions” to provide informed guidance and support to the coaching staff. He believes that a more knowledgeable leadership team would be better equipped to make sound decisions regarding player recruitment and overall squad management. This call for improved expertise underscores Hasi’s belief that Anderlecht’s recent struggles are rooted in a lack of strategic clarity and a disconnect between the boardroom and the pitch.
Hasi’s revelations are likely to fuel further debate about the direction of RSC Anderlecht. The club, a historically dominant force in Belgian football, has faced increasing challenges in recent years, struggling to compete with rivals like Club Brugge and Genk. The former coach’s criticisms raise serious questions about the club’s transfer policy, internal dynamics, and overall vision for the future. The situation highlights the complexities of modern football management and the importance of a cohesive and collaborative approach between the coaching staff and the club’s leadership.
The club has not yet responded directly to Hasi’s specific allegations, but the statements are sure to be scrutinized by fans and stakeholders alike. The coming months will be crucial for Anderlecht as they seek to rebuild and restore their position as a leading force in Belgian football. The appointment of a recent head coach and a potential overhaul of the club’s transfer strategy will be key to achieving this goal.
Key Takeaways:
- Besnik Hasi claims he had limited input in player recruitment at Anderlecht.
- He specifically cites the signings of Danylo Sikan, Ilic, and Özcan as players he did not request.
- Hasi alleges a lack of support from the club’s directors, Olivier Renard, Tim Borguet, and Thibault Dochy.
- He calls for Anderlecht to strengthen its football expertise at the administrative level.
The situation at Anderlecht remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the club navigates this challenging period. Fans and observers will be closely watching to see how the club responds to Hasi’s criticisms and what steps are taken to address the issues he has raised. We will continue to provide updates as this story unfolds.
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