FC Augsburg coach Jess Thorup has hailed his countryman, Mamelodi Sundowns Sporting Director Flemming Berg as someone who is strong in developing clubs and players.
Berg arrived at Chloorkop in April 2022, and Sundowns continued their dominance on the domestic front though they still fell short of their second CAF Champions League trophy in that period. The former Chelsea scout has come under fire with some football fans following his alleged fall-out with coach Rulani Mokwena who has since the left the club for Wydad AC.
Thorup is in South Africa with his German side for a pre-season tour and are partaking in the Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup against hosts TS Galaxy and Tanzanian side Yanga SC. He spoke to local media, including iDiski Times, where he hailed his former colleague at the Danish FA for the great job the 51-year-old is doing in South Africa.
“I actually know Flemming very well,” Thorup said when asked by iDiski Times whether he knew the Sundowns Sporting Director.
“I worked with him at that time when I was U21 national coach for the national team. He worked in the federation at that time, so we have a very close connection. And he’s not only a great guy, a great person, he also is very clever on football.
“He can see football, he’s strong in developing clubs [and] players. So I think it’s a great opportunity for South Africa to have a guy like this joining a club here. As far as I can see, he’s doing a great job.”
Thorup added that he follows most Danish professionals who have taken their work outside their country, and are making a difference where they are.
“Let’s not say I follow him a lot but I have followed him,” added Thorup.
“I think every Danish coach [and] players who are playing all over in Europe or in the world it’s exciting to follow and Fleming is one of them. And I think it’s great to see that the guys also sometimes take a chance to go to another side or part of the world and see if he can make a difference.
“I definitely think Flemming is doing a great job and congratulations to him that he ended up in a position he did so that next year he is going to play also in another competition [the FIFA Club World Cup], so great for them.”
