Friis began his coaching career in his home country as a youth coach at Danish top club FC Midtjylland.
He later had two spells as assistant coach at AGF, combined with a period at Brentford, where he worked as an assistant to Thomas Frank with the club’s second team.
In 2021, Friis took on his first role as head coach at Viborg. This proved to be an immediate success, as he led the team to the title in the Danish second division and promotion to the top flight. He then moved on to Aalborg.
After that, Friis joined Czech side Sparta Prague, where he won two league titles and one cup as assistant coach.
Last season, he stepped up as head coach of the Prague-based club. He guided the team through three qualifying rounds into the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Friis remained in charge until May last year.
Lars Friis will lead his first training session on Monday. Jimmy De Wulf will take charge of the away game against RSC Anderlecht.
Luciano Murchio, Technical Director, says: “We are delighted to welcome Lars Friis as our new Head Coach. He brings valuable experience from his time in Denmark, England, and the Czech Republic, including leading Sparta Prague in the UEFA Champions League.
"Lars is an ambitious and modern coach who will bring fresh energy, intensity, and personality to the team. His playing philosophy and DNA align perfectly with Cercle’s identity, and we are confident he will help us achieve our short- and long-term objectives.”
Cercle Brugge is currently second from bottom in the Belgian Jupiler in imminent danger of relegation.