KRC Genk have dismissed Danish head coach Jess Thorup after a short second spell in charge, with Genk citing an unsatisfactory start to the season as the reason for the decision.
Genk announce Thorup and Szabics departures
KRC Genk announced on their website that fifty-six-year-old Danish coach Jess Thorup has been dismissed. Assistant coach Imre Szabics has left Genk.
In their statement, KRC Genk said: "KRC Genk would like to thank Jess Thorup and Imre Szabics for their professionalism. The club wishes them success in the remainder of their careers."
Poor start and current league position
During this latest stint, Thorup managed Genk for 12 matches, averaging 1.5 points per game. After 11 league matches, Genk sit in seventh place in Belgium.
Genk cited an unsatisfactory start to the season as the reason for dismissing Thorup. The club wrote: "This is not the level Genk expects to be at. In recent weeks, the club's management has not seen the progress in the team's play necessary to compete at the top once again."
Second spell at Genk and recent jobs
Thorup previously managed Genk in 2020, in a tenure that lasted fewer matches before he left for FC Copenhagen. When he accepted this latest stint at Genk, it was his third job in just over a year.
Coaching career and major honours
Thorup began his coaching career at Esbjerg before becoming head coach of the Denmark Under-21 national team. His coaching career has included spells at FC Midtjylland and Gent.
Among Thorup's career highlights are league titles won in 2018 and 2022 with FC Midtjylland and FC Copenhagen, respectively. He has also won cup titles with both Esbjerg and Al-Ahly.
In May 2025, Thorup was dismissed by Augsburg and then moved to Al-Ahly in Egypt, where he oversaw 36 matches before leaving that position.
