Michael Beale ‘in advanced talks’ to take Zulte Waregem job | OneFootball

Michael Beale is reportedly closing in on a surprise return to European management, with Belgian club Zulte Waregem considering him for their head coach role.

Nieuwsblad reports that the former Sunderland boss, and ex-Liverpool and Chelsea coach, is in advanced talks to take charge as the club plan for next season.

Zulte Waregem recently secured their top-flight status by topping their relegation play-off group under interim Steve Colpaert. He replaced Sven Vandenbroeck in March, and the club are now seeking a permanent appointment.

Beale has not held a senior post since leaving Sunderland in February 2024, 63 days after his December 2023 appointment and following 12 games. He then had a brief stint working under Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.

Before Sunderland, he worked on Gerrard’s staff at Rangers, helping them win the Scottish Premiership unbeaten in 2020-21, then followed him to Aston Villa. He took his first managerial role at Queens Park Rangers in 2022, left after a few months to return to Rangers, and that spell ended early after a difficult start to 2023-24, with a home defeat to Aberdeen decisive.

“I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t missing the day-to-day coaching. I’ve got a lot of ambition there. It’s important to remain confident, keep watching, keep learning, keep listening and keep growing. And the right opportunity will come when it presents itself.” He told Sky Sports recently.

Source: Sunderland Echo