On Sunday, the Mauves will host Cercle Brugge for the final match of the regular season. RSCA must at least draw against Cercle to secure a place in the Champions’ Play-offs. “I don’t see the play-offs as preparation for the cup final. We have to perform as well as possible in both competitions,” said Jérémy Taravel. Watch his full press conference on Mauve TV.
RSC Anderlecht has a new Red Devil. Nathan De Cat has been called up for the friendlies against the United States and Mexico. “I’m happy for him. Obviously, this selection is great for him,” Taravel began. “Nathan deserves this. It will be a great experience for him, and it’s also good for the club and our academy. Besides Nathan, there are several players in the squad who were made in Neerpede. That shows the good work being done there.”
17 years old and already called up. What does that do to a young player? “It won’t change him,” the coach said. “Nathan is someone who stays with both feet on the ground. Of course, he was very happy to be called up, but not euphoric. He handles it calmly, typical Nathan.” The Frenchman praised the maturity of his still very young midfielder. “Nathan never feels stress. He doesn’t focus too much on everything happening right now. That’s his greatest strength.”
Six weeks after taking over the team, Sporting is in the cup final and needs just one point against Cercle Brugge to secure a place in the Champions’ Play-offs. “I’ve always taken it game by game and had little time to reflect,” said the coach. “For me, there was always just one goal: to win the next match.” Under Taravel, the Mauves regained confidence. “There is a new dynamic within the group. I know I repeat myself, but only together can we achieve great things and reach our objectives.”
Performing well in the Champions’ Play-offs is one of those objectives. “First, let’s finish the match against Cercle properly. But I don’t see the play-offs as preparation for the cup final. We must perform as well as possible in those games and aim for the highest possible position.” For the Frenchman, the cup and the league are therefore two separate goals. “We must be competitive in every play-off match and want to win. It’s impossible to perform well in the final if you don’t perform in the league.”
The coach cannot count on the injured Enric Llansana for the final league match. César Huerta is still in rehabilitation, while Joshua Nga Kana is expected back in training next week. Adriano Bertaccini and Nathan Saliba are suspended after the match at KV Mechelen. “We have enough options in midfield, including Tari Verschaeren and Mario Stroeykens. Nathan De Cat could drop deeper, but we also have Anas Tajaouart, who is doing well with the Futures. All players training with us have a chance to play,” Taravel concluded.
Kick-off is at 6:30 PM at Lotto Park for RSCA - Cercle, the final matchday of the regular season.