Former Leipzig Professional Takes Over Traditional Belgian Club

Marvin Compper is opening the next chapter of his football career.

The 41-year-old was introduced as the new head coach of Royal Antwerpen, taking on a head coaching role for the first time in his career.

The traditional Belgian club is embarking on a fresh start after a disappointing preseason, which saw three different coaches at the helm.

Long Career in the German Bundesliga

As a player, Compper is primarily known from the German Bundesliga.

Between 2005 and 2017, the former central defender made 195 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Mönchengladbach, TSG Hoffenheim, and RB Leipzig. In 2008, he also made his sole appearance for the German national team.

With RB Leipzig, Compper achieved the club's first-ever promotion to the Bundesliga in 2016 under coach Ralf Rangnick. In the very next season, the Saxons caused a stir by finishing as runners-up.

Compper celebrated his greatest success as a player in 2018 when he won the Scottish double of league and cup with Celtic Glasgow.

First Appointment as Head Coach

After the end of his active career, Compper gained experience as an assistant coach at MSV Duisburg, Lokomotiv Moscow, and FC St. Gallen. Now, with Royal Antwerpen, comes his first appointment as head coach.

The UEFA A-license holder speaks fluent French in addition to German, owing to his family roots – his father hails from Guadeloupe.

However, no easy task awaits the German in Belgium. While Royal Antwerpen won the championship in 2023, they are facing a personnel overhaul after a turbulent season.

Compper won't have much time to settle in: The new Belgian Pro League season kicks off this coming Saturday with a home match against promoted club SK Beveren.