Ex-Sunderland and Fulham boss outlines European ambitions after joining Belgian Pro League strugglers

Former Sunderland, Fulham and Wales boss Chris Coleman has outlined his ambitions to manage in Europe after taking the Oud-Heverlee Leuven job.

Coleman has taken over at the struggling Belgian top-flight club three days after leaving his last job. The 54-year-old former Carts man recently left his head coach role at Cypriot side AEL Limassol, where he had been in post since May this year.

The former Blackburn Rovers defender AEL Limassol by mutual consent but now finds himself in charge of a team third from bottom in the Belgium Pro League with three wins from 15 games this season. Coleman, however, is eying European football with his new side.

“This is a good club, in a good competition. I am happy to take on this challenge,” Coleman said after taking the job. “I do not see why we cannot compete for the top six in the long term. At the moment we still have to look at the teams behind us, but in terms of players and people here it is good. It is not our priority now, but I see us having a chance to enter Europe with this club in the long term.”

Upon his departure, Limassol said: "We sincerely thank Mr Coleman for his contribution to our team during our partnership. His ethos and character are elements that have won the respect of all who make up our football department. We wish him every success in the next phase of his career, as well as health and happiness on a personal level."