View source for Peter Maes

{{short description|Belgian football manager (born 1964)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Peter Maes
| image = Peter Maes.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption = Maes in 2010
| height = 1.88 m<ref name="wf"/>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1964|6|1}}
| birth_place = [[Schoten]], Belgium<ref name="wf"/>
| position = [[Goalkeeper (association football)|Goalkeeper]]<ref name="wf"/>
| currentclub = [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]] (head coach)
| youthyears1 = 1974–1981
| youthclubs1 = [[Lutlommel VV]]
| youthyears2 = 1981–1982
| youthclubs2 = [[K.F.C. Lommel S.K.|Lommel]]
| years1 = 1982–1989
| clubs1 = [[K.F.C. Lommel S.K.|Lommel]]
| caps1 = 134
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 1989–1990
| clubs2 = [[K.R.C. Mechelen|Racing Mechelen]]
| caps2 = 0
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 1990–1995
| clubs3 = [[R.S.C. Anderlecht|Anderlecht]]
| caps3 = 18
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 1995–1996
| clubs4 = [[K.S.K. Beveren|Beveren]]
| caps4 = 34
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 1996–1998
| clubs5 = [[Standard Liège]]
| caps5 = 43
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 1999–2001
| clubs6 = [[K.F.C. Germinal Beerschot|Germinal Beerschot]]
| caps6 = 8
| goals6 = 0
| totalcaps = 237
| totalgoals = 0
| manageryears1 = 2001–2002
| managerclubs1 = [[AS Verbroedering Geel|Verbroedering Geel-Meerhout]]
| manageryears2 = 2002–2006
| managerclubs2 = [[K.F.C. Verbroedering Geel|Verbroedering Geel]]
| manageryears3 = 2006–2010
| managerclubs3 = [[KV Mechelen|Mechelen]]
| manageryears4 = 2010–2015
| managerclubs4 = [[K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen|Lokeren]]
| manageryears5 = 2015–2016
| managerclubs5 = [[K.R.C. Genk|Genk]]
| manageryears6 = 2017–2018
| managerclubs6 = [[K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen|Lokeren]]
| manageryears7 = 2019–2020
| managerclubs7 = [[Lommel S.K.|Lommel]]
| manageryears8 = 2020–2021
| managerclubs8 = [[Sint-Truidense V.V.|Sint-Truiden]]
| manageryears9 = 2021
| managerclubs9 = [[K Beerschot VA|Beerschot VA]]
| manageryears10 = 2023–2025
| managerclubs10 = [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]]
}}

'''Peter Maes''' ({{IPA|nl|ˈpeːtər ˈmaːs}}; born 1 June 1964) is a Belgian professional [[Manager (association football)|football manager]] and former [[Football player|player]] who was the head coach of [[Eredivisie]] team [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]], until his departure on 30 April 2025.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Willem II en Peter Maes nemen afscheid van elkaar {{!}} Willem II |url=https://www.willem-ii.nl/artikel/willem-ii-en-peter-maes-nemen-afscheid-van-elkaar |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=www.willem-ii.nl |language=nl}}</ref>

Prior to Willem II, he also managed [[K Beerschot VA|Beerschot VA]] in the [[Belgian First Division A]],<ref>[https://www.sporting.be/1/296/peter-maes-volgt-runar-kristinsson-op/ Peter Maes volgt Runar Kristinsson op]‚ sporting.be, 9 August 2017</ref> [[K.V. Mechelen|KV Mechelen]] and [[K.R.C. Genk|Genk]].<ref name="wf">{{cite web |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/peter-maes/ |title=Peter Maes |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref>

==Playing career==
Maes began his professional career as a goalkeeper in the 1980s with third-division club [[K.F.C. Lommel S.K.|Lommel]]. Initially a backup, he eventually established himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper, playing alongside teammates like [[Harm van Veldhoven]], [[Patrick Goots]], and [[Philip Haagdoren]].<ref>{{cite news |title=arm Van Veldhoven en Peter Maes reageren opgelucht: "Hectische weken achter de rug" |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200507_04950255 |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=7 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509010734/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200507_04950255 |archive-date=9 May 2020 |language=nl-BE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Patrick Goots interviewt Peter Maes: "Iemand als Joachim Van Damme had ik bij Beerschot heel goed kunnen gebruiken" |url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20211015_97313632 |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Gazet van Antwerpen |date=16 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129214824/https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20211015_97313632 |archive-date=29 November 2021 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> In 1987, he helped Lommel secure promotion to the [[Challenger Pro League|second division]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lommel zoekt naar zijn eigenheid |url=https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/lommel-zoekt-naar-zijn-eigenheid~b1c041ca/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=De Morgen |date=26 April 2000 |language=nl-BE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=DECENIUM PER DECENIUM: De blik omhoog |url=https://www.lommelsk.be/nl/museum-decenium.php?newsId=1351 |website=Lommel S.K. |access-date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710191958/https://www.lommelsk.be/nl/museum-decenium.php?newsId=1351 |archive-date=10 July 2023 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

In 1989, Maes joined [[Belgian Pro League|first-division]] side [[K.R.C. Mechelen|Racing Mechelen]], serving as the backup to [[Ivan De Wilde]].<ref name="HN1">{{cite news |last1=Van Avermaet |first1=Valerie |title=Een portret van Peter Maes, de nieuwe trainer van STVV: van succescoach tot koning van het zwart geld |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20201207_93608819 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=7 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217165624/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20201207_93608819 |archive-date=17 December 2020 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> Following Racing Mechelen's relegation at the end of the season, he signed with [[R.S.C. Anderlecht|Anderlecht]]. At Anderlecht, Maes was the understudy to [[Filip De Wilde]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wens |first1=Nils |title=Filip De Wilde vertelt over zijn carrière: "Dat was echt een fiasco voor mij" |url=https://www.voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2019-08-07/filip-de-wilde-vertelt-in-het-rubriek-oude-glorien-over-zijn-carriere |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Voetbalkrant.com |date=7 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122150604/https://www.voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2019-08-07/filip-de-wilde-vertelt-in-het-rubriek-oude-glorien-over-zijn-carriere |archive-date=22 November 2024 |language=nl}}</ref> seeing limited playing time but contributing to the team's success as they claimed the league title in [[1990–91 Belgian First Division|1991]].<ref name="RSCA">{{cite web |title=Palmares {{!}} RSC Anderlecht |url=https://www.rsca.be/nl/club/palmares |website=RSC Anderlecht |access-date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008060519/https://www.rsca.be/nl/club/palmares |archive-date=8 October 2024 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> During the [[1991–92 Belgian First Division|1991–92 season]], he gained more opportunities after De Wilde suffered an injury. Despite competition from emerging talents like [[Frédéric Herpoel]], Maes remained Anderlecht’s second-choice goalkeeper until 1995, winning four league titles during his time with the club.<ref name="RSCA" />

In the summer of 1995, Maes moved to [[K.S.K. Beveren|Beveren]] as part of a swap deal involving [[Geert De Vlieger]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Geert De Vlieger kondigt afscheid aan |url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20110215_033 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=De Standaard |date=15 February 2011 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> At Beveren, he was the first-choice goalkeeper for one season before transferring to [[Standard Liège]] to replace departing [[Captain (association football)|captain]] [[Gilbert Bodart]], with [[Jean-François Gillet]] as his understudy. However, Bodart returned to Standard for the [[1997–98 Belgian First Division|1997–98 season]], relegating Maes to a backup role.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Roger |title=Primeur: Peter Maes trainer van alle drie de Limburgse profclubs |url=https://www.hbvl.be/cnt/dmf20201207_95796024 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Het Belang van Limburg |date=7 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212214537/https://www.hbvl.be/cnt/dmf20201207_95796024 |archive-date=12 December 2020 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

In 1999, at the age of 35, Maes joined the newly established fusion club [[Beerschot A.C.|Germinal Beerschot]].<ref>{{cite web |title=PETER MAES: "ONZE AMBITIE VOOR DIT SEIZOEN? MIKKEN OP PLAY-OFF 2" |url=https://www.beerschot.be/nl/nieuws/peter-maes-onze-ambitie-voor-dit-seizoen-mikken-op-play-2 |website=Beerschot |access-date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122152148/https://www.beerschot.be/nl/nieuws/peter-maes-onze-ambitie-voor-dit-seizoen-mikken-op-play-2 |archive-date=22 November 2024 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> Under coach [[Franky Van der Elst]], he served as backup to [[Jan Moons]] and retired from professional football in 2001.<ref>{{cite news |title=Les dessous de l'arrivée de Peter Maes au Beerschot |url=https://www.levif.be/sport/foot/les-dessous-de-larrivee-de-peter-maes-au-beerschot/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Le Vif |date=27 May 2021 |language=fr-BE}}</ref>

==Managerial career==
===Early coaching career===
Immediately after retiring as a player, Maes transitioned into coaching. His first role was with [[Verbroedering Geel-Meerhout]], where he guided the team to the promotion playoffs in 2002.<ref name="KNACK">{{cite news |title=Portret van Peter Maes, bikkelharde Limburger: 'Je bent fan van hem of je haat hem' |url=https://www.knack.be/sport/voetbal/portret-van-peter-maes-bikkelharde-limburger-je-bent-fan-van-hem-of-je-haat-hem/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Knack |date=2 February 2021 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> He then moved to [[A.S. Verbroedering Geel|Verbroedering Geel]], a [[Challenger Pro League|second-division]] club, remaining there for four seasons.<ref>{{cite news |title=Peter Maes tekent bij in Geel |url=https://www.voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2004-09-29/peter-maes-tekent-bij-in-geel |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Voetbalkrant.com |date=29 September 2004 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> His tenure ended in 2006 after the club was relegated to the third division following a [[Match fixing|match-fixing]] scandal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Belmans |first1=Jochen |title=Verbroedering Geel werd wél veroordeeld voor matchfixing en kwam klap nooit te boven |url=https://doorfansvoorfans.org/2019/07/18/verbroedering-geel-werd-wel-veroordeeld-voor-matchfixing-en-kwam-klap-nooit-te-boven/ |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Door Fans Voor Fans |date=18 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323010001/https://doorfansvoorfans.org/2019/07/18/verbroedering-geel-werd-wel-veroordeeld-voor-matchfixing-en-kwam-klap-nooit-te-boven/ |archive-date=23 March 2023 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

===Mechelen===
In the summer of 2006, Maes took over as head coach of [[K.V. Mechelen|KV Mechelen]], then competing in the second division.<ref name="KNACK" /> He led the team to a runner-up finish and promotion to the [[Belgian Pro League|top flight]] via the play-offs.<ref>{{cite news |title=KVM promoveert in Guldensporenstadion |url=https://www.voetbalkrant.com/belgie/2e-klasse/2006-2007/kalender/eindronde-speeldag-5/kv-kortrijk/kv-mechelen |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Voetbalkrant.com |date=10 June 2007 |language=nl-BE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=KV Mechelen feestend naar eerste klasse |url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/aid580619 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Gazet van Antwerpen |date=14 June 2007 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> Under his leadership, and with key players such as [[Jonas Ivens]], [[Koen Persoons]], [[Björn Vleminckx]], and [[Nana Akwasi Asare|Nana Asare]], KV Mechelen established itself as a stable mid-table side in the Belgian Pro League.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vleminckx: 'Na drie jaar Peter Maes weet je wanneer je wat moet doen' |url=https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/vleminckx-na-drie-jaar-peter-maes-weet-je-wanneer-je-wat-moet-doen~b0c2b590/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=De Morgen |date=24 October 2009 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

===Lokeren===
In 2010, [[K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen|Lokeren]] chairman [[Roger Lambrecht (businessman)|Roger Lambrecht]] recruited Maes along with [[midfielder]] Koen Persoons.<ref>{{cite news |title=Peter Maes toch officieel coach van Sporting Lokeren |url=https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/peter-maes-toch-officieel-coach-van-sporting-lokeren~b83d4eb9/ |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=De Morgen |date=20 May 2010 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> In his first season, Maes led Lokeren to the championship round. He secured his first major trophy in 2012 when Lokeren defeated [[K.V. Kortrijk|Kortrijk]] 1–0 in the [[Belgian Cup]] final, earning qualification for the [[UEFA Europa League]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lokeren wint Beker van België na stunt met tien man tegen Kortrijk |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20120324_120 |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=24 March 2012 |language=nl-BE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stockmans |first1=Matthias |title=Harbaoui schiet Lokeren naar bekerwinst |url=https://www.voetbalkrant.com/belgie/beker-van-belgie/2011-2012/kalender/finale/kv-kortrijk/sporting-lokeren |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Voetbalkrant.com |date=24 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122162226/https://www.voetbalkrant.com/belgie/beker-van-belgie/2011-2012/kalender/finale/kv-kortrijk/sporting-lokeren |archive-date=22 November 2024 |language=nl}}</ref> Two years later, Lokeren claimed another Belgian Cup, this time with a 1–0 victory over [[S.V. Zulte Waregem|Zulte Waregem]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lokeren pakt tweede beker in drie jaar |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20140322_022 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=22 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318035424/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20140322_022 |archive-date=18 March 2019 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> In the [[2014–15 UEFA Europa League|2014–15 Europa League]] campaign, Maes guided Lokeren to the group stage after eliminating [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]] in the play-offs round.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sporting Lokeren knokt zich naar groepsfase Europa League in heuse thriller |url=https://www.voetbalprimeur.be/nieuws/397416/sporting-lokeren-knokt-zich-naar-groepsfase-europa-league-in-heuse-thriller.html |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=VoetbalPrimeur.be |date=28 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122162612/https://www.voetbalprimeur.be/nieuws/397416/sporting-lokeren-knokt-zich-naar-groepsfase-europa-league-in-heuse-thriller.html |archive-date=22 November 2024 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

===Genk===
On 26 May 2015, Maes signed a three-year contract with [[K.R.C. Genk|Genk]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Racing Genk heeft coach Peter Maes te pakken |url=https://sporza.be/nl/2015/05/26/racing-genk-heeft-coach-peter-maes-te-pakken-1-2351197/ |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Sporza |date=26 May 2015 |language=nl-BE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=OVERZICHT. Dit heeft Peter Maes al op zijn palmares staan |url=https://www.hbvl.be/cnt/dmf20150519_01688781 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Het Belang van Limburg |date=26 May 2015 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> In his debut season, Genk finished fourth in the league. During the [[2016–17 Belgian First Division A|2016–17 season]], he led the team to the Europa League round of 16. However, inconsistent domestic performances led to his dismissal on 26 December 2016, with [[Albert Stuivenberg]] named as his replacement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stuivenberg nieuwe trainer Genk |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2150246-stuivenberg-nieuwe-trainer-genk |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=NOS |date=27 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509153524/https://nos.nl/artikel/2150246-stuivenberg-nieuwe-trainer-genk |archive-date=9 May 2022 |language=nl}}</ref>

===Return to Lokeren===
On 9 August 2017, Maes returned to Lokeren, succeeding [[Rúnar Kristinsson]]. His second tenure at the club ended in controversy. On 22 October 2018, Belgian media reported that Maes had been arrested in connection with the "Operation Clean Hands" investigation into football fraud, involving his agent Dejan Veljković. After appearing before an investigative judge, Lokeren dismissed Maes on 28 October, citing poor results.<ref>{{cite news |title=Peter Maes moet opstappen bij Sporting Lokeren |url=https://sporza.be/nl/2018/10/27/peter-maes-ontslagen/ |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Sporza |date=28 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621175947/https://sporza.be/nl/2018/10/27/peter-maes-ontslagen/ |archive-date=21 June 2023 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> [[Arnar Viðarsson]] was appointed as his successor.

===Lommel, Sint-Truiden and Beerschot===
In the [[2019–20 Belgian First Division B|2019–20 season]], Maes became head coach of [[Lommel S.K.|Lommel]] in the [[Challenger Pro League|Belgian First Division B]], tasked with keeping the club in the professional divisions after the dismissal of [[Stefán Gíslason]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Peter Maes volgt Stefan Gislason op! |url=https://www.lommelsk.be/nl/nieuws.php?nieuwsId=723 |website=Lommel S.K. |access-date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122163038/https://www.lommelsk.be/nl/nieuws.php?nieuwsId=723 |archive-date=22 November 2024 |language=nl-BE |date=17 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=BREAKING: Lommel SK zet Gislason aan de deur en pakt uit met grote naam als vervanger |url=https://www.voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2019-10-17/peter-maes-is-de-nieuwe-t1-van-lommel-sk |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Voetbalkrant.com |date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224220733/https://www.voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2019-10-17/peter-maes-is-de-nieuwe-t1-van-lommel-sk |archive-date=24 December 2019 |language=nl}}</ref> He successfully avoided relegation but left the club after it was acquired by the [[City Football Group]], as his contract was not renewed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.proximus.be/pickx/nl/2048089/lommel-sk-gaat-niet-verder-met-coach-peter-maes | title=Lommel SK gaat niet verder met coach Peter Maes | date=28 May 2020 | website=proximus.be | accessdate=20 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |  url=https://www.limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20200528_00162061 | title=Coach Peter Maes vertrekt bij overgenomen Lommel SK | date=28 May 2020 | website=limburger.nl | accessdate=20 January 2022}}</ref>

In December 2020, [[Sint-Truidense V.V.|Sint-Truiden]] appointed Maes as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stvv.com/en/news/first-team/peter-maes-new-head-coach-from-stvv | title=Peter Maes new head coach of STVV! | date=7 December 2020 | website=stvv.com | accessdate= 2 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://sporza.be/nl/2020/12/07/peter-maes-wordt-de-nieuwe-coach-van-stvv~1607326405113 | title=Peter Maes wordt de nieuwe coach van STVV | date=7 December 2020 | website=sporza.be | accessdate= 2 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.voetbal24.be/news/66245/peter-maes-is-opnieuw-aan-de-slag-in-de-jupiler-pro-league | title=Peter Maes is opnieuw aan de slag in de Jupiler Pro League | date=7 December 2020 | website=voetbal24.be | accessdate= 2 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://lequotidien.lu/sport-national/philipps-en-d2-belge-peter-maes-est-un-coach-qui-a-un-grand-nom/ | title=Philipps en D2 belge : "Peter Maes est un coach qui a un grand nom" | date=6 January 2020 | website= | accessdate= 9 February 2022}}</ref>

On 20 May 2021, Beerschot revealed Maes as their new head coach, with a contract extending until 2024. However, his tenure ended abruptly with his dismissal in September 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schepers |first1=Arno |last2=Frans |first2=Koen |title=Peter Maes is de nieuwe coach van Beerschot |url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20210520_93419714 |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=Gazet van Antwerpen |date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026131648/https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20210520_93419714 |archive-date=26 October 2021 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

===Willem II===
On 16 September 2023, [[Eerste Divisie]] side [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]] introduced Maes as their new head coach, succeeding the departed [[Reinier Robbemond]]. Maes marked the club's first-ever Belgian head coach and his first coaching venture abroad. At the time of his appointment, Willem II sat 15th in the league table. Under Maes' guidance, the team secured victories in their initial four matches, notably boosted by the contributions of [[Jeremy Bokila]], who netted eight of the team's fourteen goals during this period. Maes also set a precedent by becoming the first Willem II coach to achieve wins in his first three matches.<ref>{{cite news |title=De unieke start van Peter Maes met Willem II |url=https://keukenkampioendivisie.nl/nieuws/de-unieke-start-van-peter-maes-met-willem-ii |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=Keuken Kampioen Divisie |date=12 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017155539/https://keukenkampioendivisie.nl/nieuws/de-unieke-start-van-peter-maes-met-willem-ii |archive-date=17 October 2023 |language=nl}}</ref> In his first season with Willem II, Maes guided the team to the Eerste Divisie title, securing promotion to the [[Eredivisie]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Voskamp |first1=Leon |title=Supporters Willem II door het dolle heen: 'Titel dankzij Peter Maes' |url=https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/4469621/supporters-willem-ii-door-het-dolle-heen-titel-dankzij-peter-maes |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Omroep Brabant |date=11 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522220933/https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/4469621/supporters-willem-ii-door-het-dolle-heen-titel-dankzij-peter-maes |archive-date=22 May 2024 |language=nl}}</ref> On 21 May 2024, he extended his contract until 2026.<ref>{{cite web |title=Peter Maes verlengt contract tot 2026 |url=https://www.willem-ii.nl/artikel/peter-maes-verlengt-contract-tot-2026 |website=Willem II |access-date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521115806/https://www.willem-ii.nl/artikel/peter-maes-verlengt-contract-tot-2026 |archive-date=21 May 2024 |language=nl |date=21 May 2024}}</ref> 

Peter Maes departed his role as head coach of Willem II on 30 April 2025, following a challenging period in the Eredivisie where the team suffered eight consecutive defeats. The club and Maes mutually agreed to part ways, with assistant coach [[Kristof Aelbrecht]] stepping in as interim head coach.<ref name=":0" />

==Investigation==
In October 2018, Maes, coach of the [[Belgium national football team]] [[K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen|Lokeren]], was arrested for corruption in [[Belgium|Belgian]] football. After [[Ivan Leko]], Maes is the second coach to be imprisoned in this case.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2018/10/23/fresh-arrest-in-money-laundering-and-match-fixing-probe/ | title=Fresh arrest in money laundering and match fixing probe | date=23 October 2018 | website=vrt.be | accessdate= 15 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ad.nl/buitenlands-voetbal/lokeren-trainer-maes-opgepakt-in-belgisch-voetbalschandaal~a6042a8b/ | title=Lokeren-trainer Maes opgepakt in Belgisch voetbalschandaal | date=22 October 2018 | website=ad.nl | accessdate= 15 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://nnieuws.be/artikel/lokeren-trainer-peter-maes-gearresteerd-onderzoek-naar-fraude-voetbal | title=Lokeren-trainer Peter Maes gearresteerd in onderzoek naar fraude in voetbal | date=22 October 2018 | website=nnieuws.be | accessdate= 15 February 2022}}</ref>

In July 2023, Maes reached a settlement with the federal prosecutor's office, agreeing to pay a fine to the tax authorities and to the public prosecutor's office as well as repaying any money shown to have been unlawfully earned.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://sporza.be/nl/2023/06/30/peter-maes-treft-regeling-met-fiscus-en-openbaar-ministerie-over-zwart-geld~1688116174992/ | title=Peter Maes treft regeling met fiscus en openbaar ministerie over zwart geld | date=30 June 2023 | website=sporza.be | accessdate= 1 December 2023}}</ref> This concluded his portion of the investigation and cleared the way for his return to managing football.

== Honours ==

'''Lokeren'''
* [[Belgian Cup]]: [[2011–12 Belgian Cup|2011–12]], [[2013–14 Belgian Cup|2013–14]]

'''Willem II'''
* [[Eerste Divisie]]: [[2023–24 Eerste Divisie|2023–24]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Willem II squad}}
{{Eredivisie managers}}
{{Belgian Professional Manager of the Year}}
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{{KV Mechelen managers}}
{{K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen managers}}
{{K.R.C. Genk managers}}
{{Lommel S.K. managers}}
{{Sint-Truidense V.V. managers}}
{{KFCO Beerschot Wilrijk managers}}
{{Willem II managers}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Maes, Peter}}
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Men's association football goalkeepers]]
[[Category:Belgian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Belgian football managers]]
[[Category:Belgian expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:K.S.K. Beveren players]]
[[Category:R.S.C. Anderlecht players]]
[[Category:Standard Liège players]]
[[Category:Beerschot A.C. players]]
[[Category:Eerste Divisie managers]]
[[Category:Eredivisie managers]]
[[Category:Challenger Pro League managers]]
[[Category:Belgian Pro League managers]]
[[Category:K.V. Mechelen managers]]
[[Category:K.F.C. Lommel S.K. players]]
[[Category:K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen managers]]
[[Category:K.R.C. Genk managers]]
[[Category:Lommel S.K. managers]]
[[Category:Sint-Truidense V.V. managers]]
[[Category:Willem II Tilburg managers]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Schoten]]
[[Category:Footballers from Antwerp Province]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Belgian expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:20th-century Belgian sportsmen]]