Sunday, May 4th marks the cup final – a golden opportunity for Besnik Hasi’s men, who head to the King Baudouin Stadium with confidence. “We’ve found a certain stability,” said the coach, who saw Jan Vertonghen return to action against Antwerp this week. “Thursday’s appearance was important and felt good,” the captain said in the lead-up to the Topper. Watch the press conference with both men the day before the final now on Mauve TV.
Two relaxed faces at the press conference ahead of the final. Coach Besnik Hasi, joined by Jan Vertonghen, spoke to the press with optimism following the victories over KAA Gent and Antwerp FC. “In the last games, we found a way of playing that suits us. Some players are also performing at a higher level again, and that gives confidence.” Thorgan Hazard showed flashes of brilliance, Kasper Dolberg found the net against Gent, and youngsters Keisuke Goto and Nathan De Cat stepped up against Antwerp. “Having injured players return to the group is only positive for the team.”
RSCA have taken 10 out of 12 points against Antwerp and Gent, but the upcoming clash with Club Brugge is a tougher challenge, Hasi knows. “Club Brugge is of a different calibre, and we’re well aware of that. They bring Champions League experience into games against Belgian teams.” On matchday 1 of the Champions’ Play-offs, RSCA last faced Club – it was Hasi’s first match in charge. The Mauves lost 2-0 at Jan Breydel. “We weren’t ready back then and didn’t attack enough,” said the coach. “If you play like that, you’re asking for trouble. That has to be different tomorrow. We have the quality to put pressure on the opponent and not just focus on defending.”
If all goes well in the final training session, Hasi will be able to count on Mario Stroeykens and Adryelson again. Jan Vertonghen already made his return on Thursday. “It was important to test the feeling, and the match conditions were ideal,” said Jan. “It felt good, I had no adverse reaction, so that’s a big mental boost for Sunday.” Whether he starts is still unknown – even to the defender himself. “The coach will decide what role I play depending on what’s best for the team. I’ll take on that role – whatever it is – but I’m ready to contribute on the pitch. This is the match of the year for me; I want to mean something for the team.”
Neither the coach nor his captain sees a clear favourite. “Club Brugge might be considered the favourite by outsiders, but we feel confident within the group after the games against Antwerp and KAA Gent,” Jan explained. “We played better in those matches than in the ones before.” The coach also avoids speaking in terms of winning odds. “There’s pressure on both sides to win. Club are second in the league and haven’t secured any silverware yet this season.” Despite recent results against Brugge, Hasi believes in his team. “The Anderlecht of today is not the same team as at the start of the Play-offs – or even the start of the season. Some of our key players are finally reaching their top level.” That gives the coach hope. “It’s a final, and in a final, anything can happen.”
Tomorrow, Besnik Hasi has a date with history. The coach could lead the Mauves to their first trophy in eight years. Kick-off at 6 p.m. in a sold-out King Baudouin Stadium.
