They are one of the most successful clubs in Belgium with 10 First Division A titles and eight Belgian Cups, but they are yet to win the league since 2009.
“Standard Liege and our former player and assistant coach Mbaye Leye reached an agreement: the 38-year-old Senegalese became the head coach of our team to the end of the 2020-2021 season,” the club statement read.
“He will be assisted by Patrick Asselman, our former player and current video analyst, who will combine this function with that of assistant coach.
“Our club wishes Mbaye Leye a safe return and the best in his new functions.”
They are one of the most successful clubs in Belgium with 10 First Division A titles and eight Belgian Cups, but they are yet to win the league since 2009.
“Standard Liege and our former player and assistant coach Mbaye Leye reached an agreement: the 38-year-old Senegalese became the head coach of our team to the end of the 2020-2021 season,” the club statement read.
“He will be assisted by Patrick Asselman, our former player and current video analyst, who will combine this function with that of assistant coach.
“Our club wishes Mbaye Leye a safe return and the best in his new functions.”
Brussels, Dec. 30, 2020 Belgium’s Standard Liege on Wednesday named Senegalese Mbaye Leye as their new coach in a major breakthrough for Africans seeking opportunity at top clubs in Europe.
The 38-year-old, who previously played at the club and worked as an assistant coach, takes over from Philippe Montanier.
He has signed a deal to the end of the 2020/21 campaign, the club said in a brief statement.
Leye, who won three caps for Senegal in 2008, moved from West Africa as a teenager to play in France but spent most of his career in Belgium, eventually retiring two seasons ago.
The former striker was hired to work under Michel Preud’homme at Standard with a view to he eventually taking over as coach.