Scott Parker wants to dot the i’s and cross the t’s at Club Brugge: “I ask for one million percent dedication”

Succesful. The word was thrown around during Scott Parker’s performance. The Englishman started his first working day as Club Brugge coach on Monday. This mainly consisted of media obligations and a tour of the training complex in Westkapelle, because the players only gather and train for the first time on Tuesday. And that with a clear goal: to continue the strong line of recent years. And make a new start, because Club is barely fourth in its own league. “From the first conversations I was impressed by Club Brugge. I think this will be a beautiful marriage, because our visions match perfectly. We want to achieve success. Logical: this is a team with an enormous history.” But what is successful then, in the coming months? What can we expect? “The title? I’m a realist, but we don’t shy away from challenges. Let’s start with the beginning: try to win in the coming weeks and get the team on track. It is now difficult for me to make statements about our final position.”

Dedication

Parker, who used to work for Tottenham and Bournemouth in the Premier League, suddenly ends up in Belgium. That is not really a culture shock for the ex-midfielder, although Parker admits that he still needs some time. “Fair? I haven’t really been able to delve into the league and the team yet. It would be silly to say that now, because I’ve only just got here. “Of course there is a lot of quality: that proves the qualification in the Champions League.” Parker still has to figure out why things are not going well in the Jupiler Pro League. “The problems? We still have to look at that, but things are going less everywhere. With all due respect to the previous coaches, of course.” What we can expect, however, is a tight course for the players. Walking the edges: according to Parker, that will not work. “I demand one million percent dedication from my players, that’s just how I am. No Sweat, No Glory: that slogan is actually written on my body. I am a coach who wants the ball and wants to be dominant. Couple that work ethic and the facilities here – they are truly world class – and you can achieve success. This practice complex alone: ​​I already saw such things at Tottenham.”

Don’t expect Club Brugge to play Genk off the mat on Sunday. Parker needs time, he says. “But I hope you will soon recognize my way of playing. That there will be stability in the team. But we have to start working hard for that now.” From the Premier League to Belgium: we don’t see many English coaches doing it. “This is certainly not a step backwards for me. Of course the Premier League is the biggest league in the world. I’m not going to deny that. But I end up at a tradition club where excellent work has been done in recent years. That made the decision a bit easier. We are a young team that can still evolve enormously. The potential of this core is enormous.” Another striking fact: Parker’s job in Bruges will not be a stopover. He signed for 2.5 years. “For me, this is a long-term job. I like to work according to a clear vision and structure: that is clearly present here. That is the most important.” Not a difficult person, as was often said in England. In the past, Parker has already clashed with his club board there. “Well, things are said in the heat of the battle after a match. Or by emotions. I’m not a difficult person at all. I just want to be successful.”