Anderlecht Coaching Saga Continues: Schreuder Deal Stalls, Taravel Set for Third Match
Published February 18, 2026
Schreuder Deal Faces Unexpected Hurdles
RSC Anderlecht’s hopes of appointing Alfred Schreuder as their new head coach are currently stalled due to complications with his current club, Al-Diraiyah. The Saudi Arabian second division team is proving resistant to releasing Schreuder, potentially keeping Jérémy Taravel in charge for the foreseeable future.
According to reports, Al-Diraiyah is preparing for a crucial match against Al-Orobah this Friday, a contest between the third and fourth-placed teams in the league. The club, owned by wealthy investors with ambitions of becoming a leading force in Saudi Arabian football, appears unwilling to let Schreuder depart mid-season.
Taravel Poised to Lead Team for Third Consecutive Match
As a result of the ongoing negotiations, Jérémy Taravel is expected to lead Anderlecht for a third consecutive match, this time against Zulte Waregem. This comes after taking charge during an “exceptional semi-final against Antwerp and the disappointing draw against RAAL La Louvière.”
“He certainly wouldn’t have bet on it himself, but Jérémy Taravel will certainly join the RSC first team for the third time to lead.”
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Concerns Over Long-Term Solution
The situation raises questions about Anderlecht’s long-term planning. Some observers suggest that rushing into a coaching appointment could be counterproductive, particularly if a suitable director of sport isn’t in place to align with the new manager’s vision.
“Autant prendre le temps de travailler, le temps de savoir quel est le projet de jeu à moyen terme et de prendre un coach qui y correspond. Taravel a gagné l’adhésion des joueurs, cela pourrait lui permettre de tenir jusqu’à la fin de la saison.”
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There is too skepticism surrounding Schreuder himself. One former international player questioned whether he would be a “good idea,” pointing to his previous tenure at Bruges and its impact on a rival team.
“Je ne suis pas certain qu’il soit une bonne idée. Quand il est arrivé à Bruges, c’est l’Union qui s’est effondrée. Sans cela, le Club n’aurait pas été champion. Il n’a pas apporté quelque chose de spécial.”
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The Bigger Picture at Anderlecht
Analysts suggest the issues extend beyond the head coach position, citing a complex organizational structure and a history of short-term fixes that haven’t yielded lasting results.
“Quoi que vous fassiez, cela ne va pas bien se passer et la saison sera longue et compliquée. L’organigramme et le contexte autour du club sont trop complexes.”
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FAQ
- Is Alfred Schreuder still the top candidate for Anderlecht? Yes, according to reports, Schreuder remains Anderlecht’s primary target.
- How long might Jérémy Taravel remain in charge? Taravel could continue as interim coach until the end of the season, or until a permanent solution is found.
- What is Al-Diraiyah’s stance on releasing Schreuder? Al-Diraiyah appears unwilling to release Schreuder at this time, due to their own promotion ambitions.
