Brussels, Belgium, November 6, 2019 - After a summer in charge of the Belgian national men’s team, Brecht Van Kerckhove has stepped down as head coach. Former head coach and Belgian coaching legend Dominique Baeyens will take over for the European continental qualification tournament for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Berlin in January.
"I still feel the Olympic ambition in the team, that’s why I committed myself for this pathway to the Olympics," said Baeyens, as he prepares to lead the team. Belgium will take on Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Serbia at the European qualifier with just one Olympic berth up for grabs.
Dominique Baeyens' successful coaching record includes winning eight championships, three domestic cups and one European cup. He was elected coach of the year eight times in Belgium and coached the national men’s team from 2012 to 2016.
Belgium's Sam Deroo spikes during the FIVB Tokyo Volleyball Qualification tournament in Rotterdam in August
"I made my own evaluation and I decided that my way of working probably would benefit on the long term but did not give enough short-term results with this team,” said Brecht Van Kerckhove about stepping down from his role. “I do remember all the positive effects of this summer: the integration of young players, some great games during the pool phase of the European Championships and promotion for volleyball in Belgium. I wish the team all the best and hope they will qualify for Tokyo."
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