New Belgium boss Mark van Bommel recruits ex-Premier League star as assistant

Mark van Bommel has been appointed as Belgium’s new manager on a two-year deal.

The former Netherlands midfielder replaces Rudi Garcia in the dugout, with his contract running until the end of Euro 2028.

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Garcia departed as manager following a quarter-final defeat to Spain at the World Cup.

The Belgian FA subsequently confirmed that his contract would not be extended beyond the tournament.

Van Bommel has now been confirmed as his replacement and will lead the national team in the Nations League as well as Euro 2028 qualifying.

His first match in charge against Italy is scheduled for September 25 before fixtures against both France and Turkey during the league phase.

The 49-year-old had been available after leaving Belgian side Royal Antwerp in 2024.

His two years in charge saw Van Bommel win a league and cup double as well as the Belgian Super Cup.

It followed previous spells with both PSV and Wolfsburg, whilst he has also served as both Saudi Arabia and Australia assistant manager in the past.

As a player, Van Bommel won 79 caps for the Netherlands and was part of the side which reached the 2010 World Cup final.

Coaching staff revealed

Having confirmed his appointment, Van Bommel’s Belgium backroom staff has also been revealed.

Amongst them is former Premier League star Boudewijn Zenden.

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The ex-Netherlands international is a familiar face to fans of Chelsea, Liverpool and Sunderland.

Zenden also played for PSV, Barcelona and Sunderland during his career.

Since retiring in 2011, the 49-year-old has held several coaching roles, most recently with Dutch second-tier side MVV Maastricht.

Meanwhile, he previously served as a coach under Van Bommel at PSV as well as being a team-mate of his at youth and senior international level.

The new manager’s coaching team also includes former Belgium midfielder Maarten Martens and Dutch coach Reinier Robbemond.

Van Bommel statement

Following his appointment, Van Bommel explained: “It is a great honour to become head coach of Belgium. I would like to thank the Royal Belgian Football Association for their confidence in me.

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“Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential. Together with my coaching staff, we want to build a team that is disciplined, ambitious and brave enough to compete with the very best.

“Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty and commitment are.

“We will give everything to help this team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud.

“I am looking forward to meeting the players, the staff and the supporters, and beginning this new chapter together.”

Van Bommel’s first task as manager will be to qualify for the Nations League finals for the first time since 2021.

His side will then be aiming to reach a fourth successive European Championship in two years’ time.