“Success won't come tomorrow, but we are rebuilding Anderlecht.”
FRIDAY, 2 JANUARY 2026, 06:27 - emjomi
INTERVIEWS Not everyone gets an extensive interview at the start of the year, but an exception is gladly made for the new chairman of RSC Anderlecht. Michael Verschueren (55) speaks candidly about ambition, patience, and responsibility. “I'm not here for the symbolism. This is not an honorary title.”
In his office on the fourth floor of Lotto Park, surrounded by art and club history, Verschueren looks relaxed. He taps his shirt with a smile and refers to his “water weeks”: a personal New Year's resolution to lose a few pounds by mid-January. It characterizes his approach: disciplined, goal-oriented, but without boasting.
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Continue reading On the table is a personalized champagne bottle with the inscription “The Future is Mauve.” Verschueren likes the slogan, coined by major shareholder Marc Coucke. “I believe in it too,” he says. “Anderlecht remains the biggest club in the country, even though we have had some difficult years in terms of sports. Our mission is clear: to reconnect success with our DNA.”
More than just a first team According to Verschueren, that slogan goes beyond results on the field. “Anderlecht is a whole: supporters, sponsors, youth training, families around the club. That's the future for me. But let one thing be clear: winning remains essential.”
At the same time, he realizes that slogans alone are not enough. “We've had plenty of those in recent years. But players who join us today sometimes know very little about our history. If you want to inspire them, you have to make that story tangible again.”
No false promises Will 2026 be the year of the turnaround? Verschueren remains cautious. “I'm not going to convince anyone that we need ten years, but I'm also not going to sell empty dreams of titles. What matters now is laying the right foundations and not turning everything upside down again.”
According to him, this requires a clear sporting structure, especially in youth training. “There must be consistency between the Academy and the first team. Without a shared playing style and vision, you create fractures in the development of talent.”
He remains diplomatic about a possible return of Jean Kindermans. “I have a lot of respect for him, but he is under contract with Antwerp. The most important thing is not the name, but the cohesion.”
Lessons from the past In hindsight, he considers the open letter from a few years ago, in which three years were requested to become champions again, to have been poorly worded. “But the core of the message was correct: the club was stuck financially and athletically. It took time to restructure and rebuild.”
The fact that the project involving Vincent Kompany ended prematurely remains a missed opportunity for him. “We would be further ahead today. Vincent had vision, knowledge, and leadership. Everything was there.”
Why should it work this time? “Because I understand better what winning requires: stability, unity, and perseverance. I've seen that abroad too. Today, there is peace within the club again, and that is crucial.”
No chairman interfering in transfers Verschueren emphasizes that he will strictly adhere to the management structure. “I will not personally interfere in transfers. Decisions are made by management and the Board of Directors. Not on impulse, but on the basis of consensus.”
He is also clear about the possible return of Romelu Lukaku: “That is not on the agenda for the coming years.”
Olivier Renard will be given a fair chance. “If he does his job well, he is not ‘someone's man', but simply a good sporting director.”
About Coucke, Vandenhaute, and himself The relationship with Marc Coucke has been restored, he says. He is open about his departure a few years ago: “I was angry, yes. But looking back, I lacked certain knowledge at the time. In my current role, I am better prepared.”
He carries the fact that he is the son of clubicon Michel Verschueren without pathos. “I don't want to live on emotions or nostalgia. Do your job, and do it well. Only when the club is successful again will those feelings come naturally.”
Future: investors, stadium, and Belgian soccer He doesn't think extra investors are a must. “A healthy club doesn't really need that. Just look at Club Brugge or Union.” He's keeping the door open for multi-club ownership, but he's in no rush: “That needs a thorough strategic analysis.”
The stadium issue is not a priority either. “Sporting success comes first. Lotto Park is still the best stadium in the country.”
Finally, he points to the financial uncertainties in Belgian football, including TV rights and tax measures. “A difficult period is coming. That is precisely why we must work together and not destroy value.”
Patience remains the keyword. “Whether it takes two or three years, no one knows. But one thing is certain: I will not write any more open letters. Talking to supporters, even when they are angry? I will do that.”
