Staelens: “The soul of Anderlecht is gone”

INTERVIEWS The upcoming clash between Anderlecht and Club Brugge promises to be a special one. Club impressed earlier this week with a 3–3 draw against Barcelona, while Michael Verschueren is set to make his debut as Anderlecht’s new chairman. For Lorenzo Staelens (61) – who once played for both teams – the matchup brings back a flood of memories.

At his home in Menen, near the French border, Staelens fondly reflects on his remarkable career. “When I signed for Club, manager Antoine Vanhove gave my father two young pigeons as a gift,” he recalls with a laugh. “He said their father had once won a prestigious race to Barcelona. The first time my dad released them, they never came back — probably straight to Bruges.”

Staelens became a fan favorite at Club Brugge, playing 375 matches, scoring 107 goals, and winning seven trophies. His hat-trick at Anderlecht’s Astridpark in 1993 remains legendary. “That long volley for 0–3 was probably the best goal of my career,” he says.

Five years later, however, he shocked Belgian football by moving to archrival Anderlecht. “I wanted job security, and Anderlecht offered me a three-year contract. Club only wanted to give me two. Mister Michel Verschueren even called the Vanden Stock family to confirm that I had really signed. Constant could hardly believe it.”

The transfer sparked outrage among Brugge supporters. “Fans showed up at training with banners and threats. I even had to leave the stadium under police escort,” Staelens recalls.

Despite the rocky start, he went on to enjoy success with Anderlecht — winning a league title, the 1999 Golden Shoe, and playing in a memorable Champions League run. “Although, honestly, I think I deserved that Golden Shoe back in 1994 when I was still at Club,” he adds with a grin.

Today, Staelens follows Belgian football from a distance while working for a construction company. “I still go to matches at Lotto Park,” he says. “But the soul of Anderlecht has faded a bit. Club has more football knowledge in its ranks. It’ll be hard for Anderlecht to close that gap. On Sunday, I’ll stay neutral — but it will always be a special match.”

Source: HNB (jug)