On Sunday, Sporting hosts KRC Genk. It’s a return to Lotto Park for Besnik Hasi, who knows the demanding Anderlecht crowd all too well. “We need to show them that we’re fully committed to earn their respect,” said the coach in his press conference. After the loss in Bruges, he wants to see a different side of his team in a sold-out Lotto Park. “We have to believe in ourselves as a group.” Watch the full press talk now on Mauve TV.
This past week, the head coach had time to analyze the defeat at Club Brugge. “It was simply bad. Club were better in every aspect,” Hasi admitted. “We were too static, which meant we didn’t find the spaces to play in.” With more time to work this week, the staff focused on several key areas with the group. Still, not everyone will be available on Sunday: Ndiaye will be out for several weeks with a hip injury sustained against Brugge, and the game comes too soon for Vertonghen. Verschaeren and Dolberg, however, are expected to be on the match sheet.
"That kind of football suits us better"
Against Genk, Hasi mainly wants to see a team that believes in itself and makes visible progress. “We have plenty of quality in the squad. Our movement, our game dynamics, our technical ability… I want to see improvement there.” Facing the league leaders, who offer a lot going forward, the coach sees opportunities. “Genk is a team that always wants to play and puts a lot of attacking patterns on the pitch. That kind of football suits us better.” There’s been enough talk — now Besnik wants a reaction. “If you’re not playing the football you want to represent, then you have to work hard. That’s how confidence comes back.”
Rewatch Besnik Hasi’s full press conference now on Mauve TV. Kick-off is at 18:30 on Sunday, but be sure to arrive early at Lotto Park to enjoy all the activities in and around the stadium.