Racing Genk qualified for Europa League the hard way after just about managing to finish fifth in Play-off I and then beat Play-off II champs Zulte Waregem 2:0 in the one-game showdown for the last European visa. This success should satisfy the team that had another season of ups and downs, but it seems that since Clement took charge right before Christmas things started moving in the right direction.
The start of the campaign was difficult and after collecting only 5 league wins in the opening 18 rounds Genk found themselves seven points behind the top six and coach Stuivenberg was sacked at the beginning of December. The overachieving coach of Waasland-Beveren Clement was appointed as a replacement just before the winter break and he immediately had positive impact on the squad after making two crucial winter signings, both Seck and Ndongala became important starters upon arrival.
Guided by Clement Genk went on to achieve 6 wins and 2 draws in the last 10 rounds of the regular season and this proved just about enough to qualify them for Play-off I. The gaffer also took his team to the Belgian Cup final where good display, but bad luck brought a defeat vs. Standard.
Once again Pozuelo’s playmaker’s skills were crucial, but many others also impressed and the Tanzanian striker Samatta scored some vital goals, while the young defender Wouters proved to be very good holding midfielder and he got lots of chances to play under Clement. Malinovsky was also solid, with Colley and Aidoo two of the best centre-backs in Belgium in terms of aerial dominance and tackling efficiency. Trossard was also big come play-off time, despite the fact that he spent pretty much the entire regular season injured.
The key for Genk to claim fifth place in the play-offs was once again their stability and with just 2 of the 10 post-season matches lost the points were enough.
In the end the success vs. Zulte Waregem brought the desired European visa and it seems that Clement already started building something special, with Genk likely to be a major factor for years to come.
