Lars Friis was dismissed by Belgian club Cercle Brugge on Monday evening, just a day after securing his first league victory of the season with a 2-1 win against Antwerp. The manager leaves after managing 17 matches across his tenure, with the club sitting seventeenth in the 18-team Jupiler Pro League standings.

Unsatisfactory League Position Triggers Immediate Change

Cercle Brugge confirmed the managerial change in an official club statement, attributing the decision to an unsatisfactory start to the campaign. Technical director Luciano Murchio explained that the initial results failed to meet expectations, prompting the leadership to alter direction despite Sunday’s breakthrough win. The team recorded one victory, six draws, and three losses through their opening ten league fixtures, accumulating six points.

Portuguese Manager Pedro Caixinha Takes Over

Cercle Brugge moved swiftly to secure a successor, appointing Pedro Caixinha. Murchio highlighted Caixinha’s extensive international experience and history of success at high levels, expressing confidence that the incoming manager will establish stability and positively impact the squad’s competitive standing.

Brief Collaboration With Former Sparta Staff Member Ian Coll

The coaching upheaval follows a short-lived reunion behind the scenes. Just days prior to his dismissal, Friis brought in performance coach Ian Coll, who previously worked with him at Sparta Prague. Coll, who arrived at Cercle Brugge at the end of October after departing his role at the Czech club, saw his cooperation with Friis in Belgium last only three days before the managerial change.

Contrasting Fortunes Following Prague Departure

Friis previously spent two and a half years at Sparta Prague, arriving in December 2022 as an assistant to Brian Priske before taking over as head coach in the summer of 2024. During his tenure on Letná, he guided Sparta to the UEFA Champions League group stage before being dismissed in May 2025 following a run of four league defeats and a domestic cup final loss against Sigma Olomouc. Friis took on a rescue mission in Belgium in March 2026 to keep Cercle Brugge clear of relegation, a task he accomplished before struggling to convert draws into victories at the start of the current campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long was Lars Friis in charge of Cercle Brugge?

Lars Friis managed Cercle Brugge for 17 matches after taking over the post in March 2026.

What was the exact record of Cercle Brugge under Friis in the new season?

In the opening ten league fixtures of the campaign, the team recorded one win, six draws, and three defeats.

Who has replaced Lars Friis as manager?

Pedro Caixinha took over the managerial position, signing a contract running until June 2027 with an option for an extra year.