Rik de Mil has succeeded in keeping two clubs in the top division of Belgium. The coach managed to keep Westerlo in the Pro League after the most talked-about draw of the season, but was dismissed as a result of that action. Charleroi did not hesitate and hired the coach. With him on board, staying up was secured on Friday night.
Charleroi faced a challenging season which pushed them into the relegation play-offs, a situation that led to the dismissal of their previous coach, Felice Mazzù.
Rik de Mil stepped in as his successor with the urgent task of steering the team away from the relegation zone. Despite starting with a five-point advantage over their closest rivals in the play-offs, the pressure was immense.
The team began their campaign under De Mil with a draw against RWDM, but quickly found their stride, securing important victories against Kortrijk and winning back-to-back matches against Eupen. This marked a significant turnaround considering Charleroi had managed only one win in their previous six league games under Mazzù.
The results under De Mil sparked a revival for Charleroi, ensuring their survival in Belgium's top football division. The team's performance under his leadership transformed their season, taking them from potential relegation candidates to securing their place in the league. This unbeaten streak was crucial and demonstrated De Mil’s immediate impact on the team’s dynamics and morale.
Looking ahead to the final matches of the play-offs, the stakes are particularly high for RWDM and Kortrijk. A win for RWDM against Kortrijk on Sunday would seal the fate of the play-offs, confirming the relegation of Kortrijk and Eupen to the second division. Amidst these crucial games, former Vitesse loanee Bartosz Bialek managed to find the net for Charleroi in the dying minutes of their last match, adding a glimmer of hope, but his effort was ultimately insufficient to alter the outcome of the game.
Charleroi's journey through the play-offs under De Mil has not only been about avoiding relegation but also about rebuilding confidence and stability within the team as they prepare for the next season in the top flight of Belgian football.
