Anderlecht turns to Vítor Bruno to end ten-season title drought with two-year deal

The announcement

Anderlecht confirmed the signing of Portuguese coach Vítor Bruno on a two-season contract on Tuesday evening. Bruno, 43, had been without a club since leaving FC Porto in January 2025. He succeeds Jérémy Taravel, who will remain as an assistant. The squad resumed training on Monday and will meet their new manager on Wednesday.

A long apprenticeship under Conceição

Bruno began his coaching career in Angola in 2009, working alongside his father, and later returned to Portugal. In 2012 he became assistant to Sérgio Conceição at Olhanense and spent the next twelve years following his compatriot through Académica, Braga, Vitória Guimarães, Nantes and ultimately FC Porto. During Conceição's suspensions, Bruno deputised and won 15 of the 17 matches he took charge of, building a reputation as a shrewd tactician. He holds a university degree in sports science.

Brief tenure at Porto and a permanent split

In June 2024, Bruno was promoted to succeed Conceição at Porto, stepping into his first head-coach role. His record across 29 matches was 18 wins, 3 draws and 8 defeats; he did claim the Portuguese Super Cup. Results fell short, and he was dismissed in January 2025. The promotion fractured his relationship with Conceição permanently, the two have not spoken since.

Staff and expectations

Bruno brings a five-strong technical team: assistants Vítor Gouveia and Nuno Piloto, both formerly of Porto's staff, physical coach Pedro Oliveira and goalkeeper coach Luís Ferreira, with Taravel staying on as assistant. Antoine Sibierski, Anderlecht’s newly appointed sporting director, said the club had chosen a coach who "stands for modern, attractive and dominant football" and is "known for his demanding approach, winning mentality and work ethic." Naïm Aarab and Andreas Patz leave the club, while Arnaud Djoum moves to the U18 setup.

The task ahead

Anderlecht finished sixth in the Belgian Pro League regular phase and fourth in the champion playoffs last season. The most decorated club in Belgium has not won a league title in ten seasons. Bruno is now charged with returning the side to the top, leaning on the youth-development emphasis that Sibierski cited in the club's statement.