The Nigeria international has been one of the biggest stars in the Belgian Jupiler League and a difference-maker for his club
Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu has taken a blunt swipe at manager Bernd Storck, regarding the former KRC Genk boss’ style of coaching as being rigid, unbending, and narrow-minded.
Since joining Racing Genk from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland in 2019, Paul Onuachu has worked under several managers including Bernd Storck and Wouter Vrancken.
Onuachu has different views of the past and current Genk coaches, having harsh words for Storck and sweet compliments for Vanckren.
Paul Onuachu on Bernd Storck
Storck was hired as Genk boss in December 2021 but was sacked the following June, after failing to lead the Smurfs to any title win.
Onuachu finished with an impressive 23 goals in all competitions that season but still feels hurt that Genk had no trophy to show for their troubles.
And the Nigerian striker, current holder of the Belgian Golden Shoe, believes Storck’s poor man-management affected the club’s fortunes.
“I’m not going to lie about that, Storck had his own way of thinking,” Onuachu told Het Laatste Nieuws, via Voetbalkrant.
“He wanted to do everything himself, rarely consulted his staff or the more experienced players. His will was law. He was cold, nobody dared to be himself, and people felt uncomfortable under him.”
Paul Onuachu on Wouter Vrancken
Unlike Storck, Onuachu is highly impressed with the leadership style of Wouter Vrancken, the present Genk manager.
Hired in July, the 43-year-old tactician has guided Genk to 15 league wins, one draw, and just a single loss in 17 games.
Vrancken’s strategies have brought the best out of Onuachu, with the 28-year-old forward netting 14 goals in 16 matches across all competitions.
And the Super Eagles striker is convinced that Vrancken is the best manager he has played under.
Onuachu continued, “Everyone feels good (under Wouter Vrancken).
“It is allowed to laugh once in a while. He makes a joke himself, but without being too indulgent. Once on the field, everyone realizes that they have to work. Vrancken finds the perfect balance between hard work and fun. That is his strength.
“He keeps it simple, step by step. Everyone is involved in the story. This is the best staff I’ve ever worked with in my career.”
Bernd Storck on Paul Onuachu
Interestingly, the next opponent for Paul Onuachu’s Genk in the Jupiler League is KV Kortrijk, now managed by Bernd Storck.
Genk arrive as league leaders and favourites for the win and with huge confidence after a massive cup triumph over bitter rivals Anderlecht.
KV Kortrijk also won their last match against OH Leuven in a cup fixture and will hope to bank on that momentum to stun Genk.
But Bernd Storck is aware that beating Genk will not be easy, especially as they boast the seemingly unstoppable Onuachu.
“Genk have the best team in Belgium,” Storck told Het Nieuwsblad, as per Voetbalkrant.
“I think they’re going to be champions. With Onuachu, they have one of the best strikers in our league.
“What do we have to lose against Genk? We want to make it difficult for them by starting from our own strengths and game. Nothing is impossible in football,” the former Eupen boss concluded.
