Since joining the club in March 2025, Martens has played an important role within DAC´s sporting department, contributing to recruitment, squad planning and the further development of football operations. As the club enters a new phase under head coach Robert Klauss, Martens will lead the sporting strategy of DAC 1904.

As Sporting Director, he will be responsible for recruitment, squad planning, football operations, player development and the alignment between the Academy and the First Team.

CEO Jan Van Daele commented:

“JP has become an important part of our sporting structure. His experience, football expertise and strategic thinking have helped strengthen the foundations of our football department. We believe he is the right person to help lead the next phase of DAC´s development.

The ambition of this club is clear. We want to continue developing talented players, compete consistently at the top of Slovak football and establish ourselves as a regular participant in European competitions. JP will play a central role in helping us achieve those objectives."

Martens brings extensive international football experience to the role. During his playing career, he represented clubs including KV Mechelen, Roda JC and Sturm Graz, winning multiple league titles and competing in the UEFA Champions League. Following his retirement, he held scouting and sporting management positions in Belgium and Germany before joining DAC.

Jan-Pieter Martens said:

"DAC is a club with a unique identity, passionate supporters and significant potential. From the beginning, I was attracted by the ambition of the club and by the opportunity to contribute to a project with a clear long-term vision.

Our responsibility is to build a sporting structure that allows DAC to be successful year after year. That means making good decisions, developing talented players, recruiting the right personalities and creating an environment in which players, coaches and staff can perform at the highest level.

We have made important progress, but our ambition goes further. We want to compete for trophies, establish ourselves in European competitions and continue strengthening every aspect of the football department. Success is never the result of one person. It comes from alignment, energy, daily commitment and a shared belief in what we are trying to achieve together.

I am excited about the future. We have a talented squad, a strong Academy, committed ownership and supporters who create a special atmosphere around this club. Together, we have all the ingredients to continue moving DAC forward."

The appointment comes at an important moment for the club as DAC begins a new sporting cycle under head coach Robert Klauss and prepares for the challenges of the 2026/27 season.

DAC´s sporting strategy remains focused on three key objectives: developing talented players, competing for trophies and establishing the club as a consistent presence in European football.

With Jan-Pieter Martens leading the sporting department, DAC continues its commitment to building a sustainable, ambitious and successful football club for the future.