January 4 – Croatian Ivan Leko has become the new manager of Belgian club Standard Liège, a day after the club revealed another €20 million loss in its accounts for the 2022/23 season.
The appointment by the Walloon club comes four days after the dismissal of Carl Hoefkens. The Croatian has a good track record in Belgium after impressing with OH Leuven, winning the league with Club Brugge and the cup with Antwerp. His last gig with Hajduk Split at home in Croatia ended however prematurely.
On Saturday, Standard head for Marbella, Spain, to stage their winter camp, allowing Leko to assess his squad and tweak the team.
He will make his league debut on January 20 at home against KV Kortrijk. Liège currently sit in 9th position in the Belgian league table and yet remain one of the country’s most iconic clubs.
The club’s accounts on Wednesday revealed a loss of €20.3 million, topping the €20.2 million loss in the 2021-22 season. Club debts have risen to €24 million.
Last year, Standard Liège became a part of the 777 Partners portfolio, but doubts have been cast over the liquidity of the American investment fund, which is seeking to add Premier League club Everton to its stable.
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