Genk's Thorsten Fink Under Fire: Can He Turn It Around?

Thorsten Fink's position at Genk hangs in the balance

Genk's German coach Thorsten Fink faces mounting pressure after dismal fall season. Can he lead his team to success against Midtjylland in Europa League?

“If this club thinks I can't achieve my goals, then I will leave. I want to help the club and don't think...”

Thorsten Fink is on the brink, with his job at Genk hanging in the balance. The German coach has been under fire after a dismal fall season, with Genk crashing out of the Belgian Cup and languishing in 8th place in the Jupiler League.

A loss to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League could be the final nail in Fink's coffin, with his sacking being widely discussed in the Belgian media. The pressure is mounting, and Genk needs a strong performance to save Fink's skin.

Genk's struggles this season have been stark, with the club's poor start landing them in the bottom half of the Jupiler League table. This is far from what the team expected, and tensions are running high.

Fink's coaching methods are reportedly being questioned, with players complaining about lack of rest and last-minute training schedules. These issues have allegedly created a negative atmosphere in the locker room, further fuelling speculation about Fink's future at the club.

Genk's management is standing by Fink... for now. Director of football, Dimitri de Condé, has publicly backed the coach, claiming he still has the dressing room's support. But, sources indicate that Fink's position is precarious, and a string of poor results could lead to his dismissal in the coming weeks.

Missing the Champions Play-Offs in the Jupiler League would be a massive blow, and it seems the club is preparing for life without Fink if he can't turn things around.

Genk's losing streak continues, with two defeats on the bounce in the Belgian league. Fink is aware of the team's struggles, and after Sunday's 3-0 loss to Royal Antwerp, he said: “We can't stay in 8th place until February. That's true. What else can I say? We want to finish in the top 4, and that's possible.”

Fink knows Genk needs to pick up the pace if they want to achieve their goal of finishing in the top 4.

Fink spoke about the pressure entailed in coaching one of the biggest clubs in Belgium and said, “The fans are hungry for success. Pressure is part of football. But go and watch Hamburg (his former club). That's something else entirely with 75,000 fans in support.”

The German coach also addressed the rumours of his potential dismissal if Genk fails to get anything from their trip to Herning: “If this club thinks I can't achieve my goals, then I will leave. I want to help the club and don't think things will improve with a different coach, but that's the club's decision.”

Genk will be up against it in Denmark, as Midtjylland are looking strong after a promising domestic and international campaign. Despite recent stumbles, including a loss to Sonderjyske and a draw with Viborg, the Danes are favourites to win.

Matchday 6. A new chapter in the Europa League 💪 #UEL @EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/yV5708Ct08

— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) December 11, 2025

Midtjylland's biggest blow is the loss of leading goalscorer Franculino, who's out for the rest of the year. Can Genk capitalize on this opportunity?