Jes Thorup returns to Genk after Al Ahly spell with European qualification target

Jes Thorup says he did not hesitate to return to Genk after his experience at Egyptian giants Al Ahly, a club he described as having 80 million supporters.

Genk announced on Sunday that the Danish coach had been appointed as their new manager on a contract running until 2029. Thorup replaces Nicky Hayen and returns to the club after previously managing them during the 2020-21 season.

“I was in Egypt with Al Ahly, a club that has 80 million supporters,” Thorup told Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad.

“I made a quick decision to return to Genk and sign a three-year contract because I still want to achieve more here.”

Thorup said Genk’s pre-season preparations had underlined the amount of work still required, despite the team’s results against strong opposition.

“Of course I always prefer winning to losing, but the preparation period gives you the clearest picture when you face strong opponents,” he said. “The players realised that there is a lot of work to do, and nobody will start the season feeling satisfied.”

Genk will play two matches as part of their preparations, with Thorup planning to give every member of the squad meaningful playing time rather than settle on a fixed first-choice team.

“We will play two matches, and I want every player to get enough minutes,” he said. “There is no first team and no reserve team. We are trying out certain things and building understanding between the players.”

Thorup also warned his players that positions in the team would not be guaranteed.

“I do not like players who think they have secured their place,” he added. “Everyone must keep fighting all the time.”

The manager has set a clear target for the coming campaign: securing European football.

“We want to qualify for Europe,” Thorup said. “This is a club that should always be present on the European stage.”

Thorup has managed a number of clubs during his career, including Augsburg. He has also won Danish league titles with Midtjylland and Copenhagen.

His most recent job was with Al Ahly, where he won the Egyptian Super Cup last season. Thorup took charge of the Cairo club for 36 matches in all competitions, recording 18 wins, nine draws and nine defeats.

Al Ahly defeated Zamalek to lift the Egyptian Super Cup under Thorup. However, they were eliminated from the Egypt Cup in the round of 32 and exited the CAF Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Al Ahly finished third in the league table at the end of the season with 53 points. Pyramids finished second on 54 points, while Zamalek claimed the title with 56.

Thorup’s return gives Genk a manager familiar with the club and its expectations, while his immediate challenge will be to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for a place in European competition.