INTERVIEWS RSC Anderlecht managed to qualify for the Champions' Play-offs after a chaotic and disappointing evening, but there was little sign of relief. The defeat to Cercle Brugge left deep marks, and coach Jérémy Taravel was unusually sharp about his squad afterwards. “With this mindset we won't win a single match in the play-offs,” he said bluntly. The ending of the match summed up the whole night.
In injury time goalkeeper Colin Coosemans visibly hesitated about whether to come forward for a corner. While the crowd urged him on, the bench held him back — the reason being that the developments in the KRC Genk versus RAAL La Louvière game were decisive at that moment. In the end it was not Anderlecht's own play but a result elsewhere that determined their fate. On the pitch purple-and-white were well below par and uninspired.
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Continue reading The team lacked conviction and cohesion and fell behind early. According to Taravel this was not a tactical problem but a matter of mentality. “We knew exactly what the opponent was going to do, but we brought far too little intensity and energy,” he said. “This level is unacceptable.” Supporters repeatedly checked their phones for scores from other matches — a painful image of Anderlecht dependent on others to secure a top-six spot. The coach's substitutions produced little effect.
Players such as Mario Stroeykens and Anas Tajaouart could not make a difference; only a few, including Nathan De Cat, reached a decent level. Taravel tried to adjust after the break, but the play remained sloppy and without direction. Only in the closing stages did Thorgan Hazard offer some respite, but it did nothing to alter the defeat. After the game Taravel left no room for doubt: things must change, and quickly. Harsh words rang out in the dressing room.
“If this remains our standard, we'll lose everything in the play-offs,” he warned. “Players must choose: either they give everything, or they have a problem.” Despite everything, Anderlecht will start the Champions' Play-offs in sixth place. The ambition remains high — a podium finish and the cup final are still in view — but, according to the coach, that can only happen if the mentality changes drastically. Qualification is secured, but confidence has taken a severe hit.
