The derby is approaching. On Sunday (18:30), the Mauves will host their neighbours from Saint-Gilles in a sold-out Lotto Park. After taking 9 out of 9, Besnik Hasi’s men look ahead to the clash with league leaders Union with confidence. “The belief within the squad is that we can stand toe-to-toe with Union.” Watch his full press conference now on Mauve TV.
The coach will not be able to count on Nathan Saliba this Sunday, as he is suspended after receiving a yellow card in La Louvière. “Given his playing style, of course you prefer to have him available,” Hasi admits. “It will be an intense battle in midfield against Union. But it’s up to other players to step up in his absence.” Whether Enric Llansana will take that position remains uncertain. “Enric is someone you can always rely on and he’s ready. He trains sharply, is always positive, and is fully committed to the team. But with Mario Stroeykens and Yari Verschaeren, who both came on well last week, we have more options in that role.”
Lucas Hey and Luis Vázquez remain doubtful for the derby. “They took part in large parts of Friday’s training, but we’ll wait until Saturday to decide whether they are part of the matchday squad.” Because of this, the coach may again choose to play Killian Sardella in the heart of the defence on Sunday, just like against La Louvière. “Killian is used to that position from his youth days and he did well last weekend. It gives us an extra option at the back that he can also play centrally.”
After the win against Club Brugge, our coach saw the team take “a small step” in the right direction. Would beating Union be a bigger step? “If you want to compete with Union and Club, you need to match them in every aspect of their football. Last season we couldn’t, now we are getting close, but we’re not there yet. Both clubs have more experience between the lines than we do, but we have enough talent in the squad to take another step forward.”
To take that step, Sporting will need to be at their very best, Hasi knows. Especially in terms of intensity. “We need to be top every match. This season we are performing better physically, partly thanks to players like Camara and Bertaccini, who returned from injury. They have brought extra dynamism in recent weeks.” Competition within the team also helps. “Players want to push each other. Up front we may have fewer options, but we have different profiles. Competition is always good, as long as it is used to become better.”
Against their neighbours, the Mauves are looking for their fourth consecutive win in the competition. “We go all out in every match. The belief within the squad is that we can stand next to Union. At the Duden Park we didn’t play badly, but we lost 2-0 due to youthful mistakes. Now we’re playing at home, in front of our fans, and at home RSCA can always give that little bit extra.”
Kick-off on Sunday 30 November at 6:30 p.m. at the Lotto Park.
