INTERVIEWS Following their successful match against Hammarby, Anderlecht faces a new European challenge on Thursday evening. In the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Europa League, the Purple & Whites will take on PAOK in Thessaloniki. Although the Brussels-based team considers the Greeks to be the favorites, the squad is traveling with clear ambitions.
Midfielder Enric Llansana emphasized at the press conference that the victory over Hammarby provided a positive boost, but that the players were quickly brought back down to earth. According to him, the coaching staff ensured that the focus immediately shifted back to the next task.
Anderlecht expects a particularly difficult match in a raucous Toumba Stadium, where Greek fans are known for their fanatical atmosphere. Still, the young squad is looking forward to that challenge. For many of the talented players, it will once again be a valuable European experience.
Despite its youthful core, Anderlecht exudes a great deal of ambition. Llansana, at 25 one of the oldest players on the roster, senses a strong hunger within the group. The midfielder makes it clear that the Purple & White did not travel to Greece to sit back and wait, but to secure a positive result and return to Brussels in a strong position.
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