On Saturday evening, the Mauves travel to Mechelen. RSCA will face Malinwa, who have taken 1 point out of 6 after two matchdays in the Champions’ Play-offs. KV Mechelen are just one point behind Sporting. “Achter de Kazerne is a difficult ground for every team,” Jérémy Taravel said ahead of the match. Watch his full press conference on Mauve TV.
With Nathan De Cat, RSC Anderlecht will miss a key midfielder in the coming weeks. The Young Player of the Year suffered an ankle injury against KAA Gent and will be out for 4 to 6 weeks. “That’s a big loss for the team,” the coach said, “but we have several options with Yari Verschaeren and Mario Stroeykens. Thorgan Hazard could also drop deeper. It’s up to me to find the right combination in midfield.”
Besides technical ability, the team also loses height and physical strength in duels. “That’s true,” Taravel admitted, “but the players we have can compensate for his absence. Nathan has handled the news as well as possible and quickly moved on. He remains positive about his rehabilitation, but it’s important not to rush him. He needs time to recover.”
However, the coach can once again count on Ilay Camara this weekend, while Colin Coosemans will return in goal and has just extended his contract with the club. “Justin Heekeren delivered a strong performance against KAA Gent, but the hierarchy within the squad is clear. Colin is our captain and number one. It’s only positive for the team that we have two good goalkeepers.”
Just like against Club Brugge, the Mauves struggled in the first half at home against KAA Gent. “We discussed that and analysed it. We had some problems in midfield, but after the adjustment there was a good reaction from the team. In the second half we were better, created chances, and overall we were the better side. That’s the most important thing for me - along with the fact that we took the three points, of course.”
After the win against KAA Gent, RSCA moved ahead of the Buffalos and KV Mechelen into fourth place in the Champions’ Play-offs. “The players care about the play-offs and that third place. That remains our goal, although there is a lot of talk externally about the cup final. Both I as a coach and our staff focus on every match, because these play-off games are extremely important for the club,” the Frenchman said.
Taravel remains cautious about the task awaiting his team on Saturday. “Achter de Kazerne is difficult for every team. We didn’t play badly there in the regular season and actually deserved the three points, but we were far from efficient. In the end we conceded a goal from a set piece and returned empty-handed. Tomorrow it will be up to us to take our chances and secure the three points.”
Kick-off on Saturday 18 April at 20:30 at Achter de Kazerne in Mechelen.