Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. K.V. Kortrijk
The Bluebirds face off against Belgian side K.V Kortrijk in our next Pre-Season friendly on Saturday, july 13th.
Kick-off will take place at 12pm at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium.
Opposition Focus | In the Dugout
In charge for K.V Kortrijk is Icelandic coach Freyr Alexandersson, who was appointed in January 2024.
He previously managed the Icelandic Women’s team between 2013 and 2018, before becoming the assistant to the Men’s National team between 2018 and 2020.
Prior to his move to Belgium, Alexandersson managed for three years at Danish club Lyngby Boldklub.
Opposition Focus | Last season
After finishing the regular Belgian Pro League campaign in 15th position, K.V Kortrijk competed in the relegation Play-Offs at the end of last season, a round robin tournament which includes the bottom four sides.
Alexandersson's men showed fantastic character to finish second out of the four teams, with RWD Molenbeek and Eupen relegated to the second tier.
The side went on to face Lommel in the promotion/relegation Play-Off, consisting of a two-legged tie.
K.V Kortrijk won 5-2 on aggregate, ensuring their 17th consecutive season in the Belgian Pro League.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER BUSINESS
The Belgian outfit have been busy in the transfer market so far this summer, adding five recruits to their squad.
Japanese duo Haruya Fujii and Takuro Kaneko have both joined from Nagoya Grampus and H.C Sapporo respectively.
Centre-back Fujii spent last season on loan at K.V Kortrijk and has made his move permanent, while Kaneko is a lively winger who mainly operates on the right side.
Experience has also been added in the form of right-back Gilles Dewaele, who arrived from Standard Liège.
Utilising the loan market, young duo Nacho Ferri and Nathan Huygevelde have joined from Eintracht Frankfurt and Union SG respectively.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | CLUB CONNECTIONS
The Bluebirds have enjoyed a number of shared on-field stars with K.V Kortrijk since Tan Sri Vincent Tan took over at the Belgian club in 2015.
Isaak Davies, Ryotaro Tsunoda and Sheyi Ojo all featured for the side last season, having spent time on loan in the Belgian top-flight.
City defender Dimitrios Goutas and former Bluebirds attacker Idris Saadi are another two to represent both clubs.
Click here to read more as take a look at five players who have appeared for both the City and KVK!