Michael Beale's journey to realizing his long-held ambition of managing a club in Europe has been a long and winding one. The former QPR, Rangers, and Sunderland boss will oversee his first game in over two years on Sunday when Zulte Waregem hosts title contenders Genk in the Belgian Pro League. This new challenge is a departure from his previous roles as a head coach or assistant to Steven Gerrard in Scotland, England, and Saudi Arabia, or his stint in Brazil with Sao Paulo.
However, it is an opportunity he has been eager to seize. Beale, who has worked with Gerrard at Al Ettifaq and as a consultant since his last managerial stint in February 2024, had received other offers to return to management but saw this chance in West Flanders as the right one. After two months in the role, he believes it was the correct decision.
Preparations are underway for Zulte Waregem's 25th-anniversary season, and Beale is focused on the task at hand. Last season, the club finished 13th, and while European qualification is a medium-term goal, the immediate priority is progress in a league where Zulte Waregem faces teams with greater financial resources.
Beale acknowledges the challenge but is undaunted, describing himself as 'hugely ambitious.' He has immersed himself in the role during an eight-week pre-season, setting up base near the training ground and engaging with supporters in the evenings. An unbeaten pre-season has generated optimism, and Beale is now eager to demonstrate to the club's supporters that an exciting campaign lies ahead. The first game against Genk is a significant test, but Beale is ready for the challenge.
He is determined to enjoy the experience and not be swayed by external criticism, focusing instead on his passion for the job and the privilege of being an English coach in the Belgian league.