On Sunday, the Mauves travel to West Flanders for Matchday 26 of the Jupiler Pro League. After last week’s home draw against RAAL La Louvière, RSC Anderlecht head to the Elindus Arena determined to secure maximum points. “To achieve that, we will need to play the way we did in the cup against Royal Antwerp FC,” Taravel said when previewing the clash with Zulte Waregem.
Taravel opened his media briefing with positive news from the medical department. “Mario Stroeykens is available again and in contention for Sunday’s squad. Marco Kana and César Huerta are not yet ready.” The Mexican winger is, however, making significant progress in his recovery. “He will still be sidelined for a few weeks, but the club is working hard to ensure he returns fully fit after a difficult injury.”
Following last Thursday’s convincing cup win away at Antwerp, the Brussels side dropped two valuable points against La Louvière. “We had little time to prepare for the weekend fixture after the cup game,” Taravel explained. “This week was different. We were able to focus on specific tactical aspects, analyse what went wrong, and study Zulte Waregem’s playing style in depth.”
Sporting currently sit fourth in the standings, just four points ahead of eighth place, setting up a tight battle for the Champions’ Play-offs with five matches remaining. “We are not afraid of dropping out of the top six,” Taravel stated. “But we must approach every game with the same intensity and standards we showed in the cup if we want consistent league results. We delivered a very strong performance in Antwerp. Against La Louvière, we created chances but lacked efficiency. Becoming more dominant against teams defending in a low block is the next step in our development.”
On Sunday, Taravel will take his place in the dugout for the third time. “I am not focused on my personal future,” he said calmly. “The club has always been clear and transparent with me. My focus is on bringing positivity within the squad and preparing the upcoming matches in the best possible way.”
A victory at the Elindus Arena would extend the renewed momentum generated by qualification for the Cup final into the league campaign. Kick-off is on Sunday 22 February at 6:30 p.m. away at Zulte Waregem.