On Sunday evening, the Mauves travel to Stayen. On STVV’s artificial turf, Hasi’s men face a tough challenge. “We trained on artificial turf today, so that shouldn’t be a problem,” the coach assured during his press briefing. Watch his full press conference, now available on Mauve TV.
Besnik Hasi opened the press conference with an update from the injury list. There was good news: Bertaccini is expected to make the squad for the match against his former club. “Mario Stroeykens also has a chance to be selected, provided he feels no reaction after today’s training. Killian Sardella is ready, Ilay Camara got minutes with the Senegal national team and trained well over the past few days.” Angulo returned fit from his international duty, Saliba came back with a minor issue which has been resolved. Huerta only returned on Thursday and is still feeling some discomfort, so his name remains with a question mark.
The coach realizes he has some decisions to make, particularly up front. Will he give Mihajlo Cvetković his first start on STVV’s artificial turf, or will he go with Vázquez again? “As an RSCA player, you have to be able to handle competition. Mihajlo came on well against Standard and his goal gave him a confidence boost. That he also got minutes with Serbia’s first team is a nice bonus for him.”
At the back, Hasi also has options with the return of Killian Sardella and Ilay Camara, and Mihajlo Ilić, who was loaned from Aston Villa last summer. “I have 26 players who all want to play. The defense has performed well in recent weeks, so I see no reason to intervene now. They just need to keep working to be ready when their chance comes.”
A duel against the loaned Goto
The defense of the Mauves will face Keisuke Goto on Sunday evening. The Japanese player is on loan from RSCA to STVV this season, where he has been performing excellently with three goals so far. “His positive performances don’t surprise us,” said Hasi. “He has a lot of qualities and a good mentality. Also, STVV is a great club for him given the Japanese connection within the club.”
“Last summer, I understood his wish to play at the highest level, and therefore no longer with the U23s. I hoped he would be patient until the end of the transfer window, but when he saw Bertaccini arrive – and Dolberg was still around – he moved to STVV.” Will Keisuke ever become RSCA’s first striker? “He has the potential, yes. It’s a win-win situation that he is getting minutes and performing well now.”
Even though Keisuke is still under contract with RSCA, the Japanese player is allowed to play against his employer on Sunday. “RSCA has always been a club of gentlemen, and that won’t change,” Hasi concluded with a wink. See you Sunday, 19 October at 18:30 at Stayen.
