Senegalese Mbaye Leye sacked as Standard coach

Mbaye Leye is no longer coach of Standard. The 38-year-old Senegalese was fired after a meeting with CEO Alexandre Grosjean. The Rouches have lost their last three games and are only 12th.

The 3-0 after 18 minutes against KV Mechelen on Friday and the accompanying supporter’s protest was the last straw. “I do what I can with what I have available,” said Leye afterward, but Standard is looking for a new T1 to pull the club out of the doldrums.

Leye was appointed head coach of the Rouches early this year after the resignation of Philippe Montanier. With 13 out of 18, Leye had an excellent start but failed to reach the Champions’ play-offs.

Under his leadership, the people of Liege did reach the cup final, which they lost 2-1 to Racing Genk. Standard was satisfied: Leye was allowed to start as T1 again this season but is now thanked for services rendered after a 13 in 30.

Especially the 3-0 after 18 minutes last Friday against KV Mechelen was poignant. The Senegalese saw it all with sad eyes. His players seemed to be escorting him to the exit. “The question is not whether the players are still behind me. Me, another coach… Before me, Michel Preud’homme and Philippe Montanier were coaches here… The same problems always return,” Leye said after the misfortune.

“At some point, everyone has to take responsibility. And you have to have the quality to succeed, to reach the level that Standard deserves. I do what I can with what I have at my disposal.”

In addition to Leye, his assistant Patrick Asselman is also fired.