Riemer: "Have the feeling we can do well"

INTERVIEWS Anderlecht coach Brian Riemer is not displeased with AZ as an opponent in the Conference League quarterfinals. That it is only a short trip, he calls very positive for two reasons. But he does warn: "AZ is doing well this season. We know it will be a tough match."


"AZ already eliminated Atalanta and Lazio in Europe. I know their Danish striker Jens Odgaard and I have therefore been following them for a while," Riemer told rsca.be. "Dutch soccer contains many elements that we respect and can also identify with as a team. So I expect a very interesting match. At this stage of the tournament there are no easy matches anymore. But I have a feeling we can do well in the quarterfinals."

Riemer is counting on the Anderlecht supporters to propel the team to the semifinals. "It's only a three-hour drive from Brussels, which is a big advantage for our fans. Their support is so important for us. They pushed us to keep raising the bar. If they are present en masse in the Lotto Park as well as in Alkmaar, that can be a real game changer for us," Riemer said. "Also in terms of our preparation and recovery, it's a positive draw since we don't have to travel too long."

Finally, Riemer also had praise for the performances of Union and Gent and Club Brugge in Europe this season. "Because in Europe we are all fighting for the same thing: the Belgian coefficient. So that in the future we can qualify directly for the Champions League."