Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s journey back to the top of Belgian football has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in their first league title in 90 years and a debut in the Champions League. Sporting director Chris O’Loughlin has experienced a wave of emotions as the club has navigated this transformative period.
Reflecting on the surreal nature of the Champions League draw, O’Loughlin expressed his astonishment at seeing RUSG’s name alongside European powerhouses. This sentiment continued during their first match against PSV Eindhoven, where he felt a moment of disbelief while stuck in traffic, realizing how far the club has come. The euphoria intensified before the kickoff, noting the special atmosphere as players lined up to the Champions League anthem.
Their inaugural match in the prestigious tournament resulted in a stunning 3-1 victory over PSV, showcasing the team’s readiness for high-stakes competition. O’Loughlin noted the excitement of watching other teams compete, like Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, emphasizing the club’s newfound stature on the European stage.
Union Saint-Gilloise’s story began in 1897, with the club claiming 11 Belgian titles before a prolonged decline that saw them sink to the fourth tier. A pivotal takeover in 2018 allowed them to begin their resurgence, and by 2021, they had returned to the country’s top flight. Their persistence in pushing through disappointment in previous seasons culminated in the title win in May.
O’Loughlin, who was part of the club’s revitalization from the outset, highlighted the importance of building a supportive infrastructure, stressing that their triumph was not solely driven by financial means. He remembers challenging times, where the team trained on a pitch with no drainage, which they overcame as a united front.
The experience of players like Christian Burgess, who joined the club in the second tier and now captains the team in the Champions League, embodies RUSG’s unique journey. Their approach has included nurturing young talents, which led to significant profits from player transfers. The challenge of maintaining competitiveness came with a coaching change as Alexander Blessin left, but the club decided to retain Sebastien Pocognoli, weathering the external pressure to dismiss him.
O’Loughlin views the decision to maintain faith in Pocognoli as a pivotal moment, stating that it demonstrated the club’s commitment to their strategic vision. This perseverance ultimately led to their title victory, reinforcing their approach to doing things differently.
As they look ahead, O’Loughlin speaks of the excitement surrounding new investments in training facilities and resources, which stand to enhance the club’s future prospects. The authoritative self-sustainability achieved by RUSG allows for optimistic planning for the next season and beyond.
Their Champions League qualification serves as a foundation for future aspirations rather than a culmination of their efforts. With their thrilling journey still unfolding, fans can expect more “pinch-me moments” as Union Saint-Gilloise continues to rise in European football.