Thorsten Fink is under increasing pressure, and his job security at Genk is a major topic of discussion in the Belgian media leading up to the game against FC Midtjylland.
Genk's poor start to the 2025-2026 Belgian Jupiler League season has put them in the bottom half of the table, a significant underperformance compared to the club's expectations.
Reports indicate that complaints have emerged from the locker room regarding Fink's methods, including a lack of player rest and last-minute training schedules.
The club's management has publicly backed Fink, with the director of football insisting he has not lost the dressing room. However, recent reports suggest a dismissal is not ruled out in the coming weeks if results do not improve, as missing the Champions Play-Offs in the Jupiler League would not be accepted.
Genk have lost their last two matches in the Belgian domestic league, and after the 3-0 defeat against Royal Antwerp on Sunday, Fink said: "We can't stay in 8th place until February. That's true. What else can I say? We want to finish in the top 4, and that's possible."
Fink spoke about the pressure entailed in coaching one of the biggest clubs in Belgium and said, "The fans are hungry for success. "Pressure is part of football. But go and watch Hamburg (his former club). That's something else entirely with 75,000 fans in support."
The German coach also addressed the rumours of his potential dismissal if Genk fails to get anything from their trip to Herning: "If this club thinks I can't achieve my goals, then I will leave. I want to help the club and don't think things will improve with a different coach, but that's the club's decision."
While Genk are in 9th position in the Europa League, FC Midtjylland are in second position and on the back of their promising domestic and international campaign, will head into the encounter as heavy favourites despite losing to Sonderjyske and having to settle for a draw against Viborg in the Danish Superliga. The Danes will also be handicapped by the absence of the leading goalscorer, Franculino, who is ruled out for the rest of the year.