On Saturday evening, OH Leuven will travel to the Park. The Leuven side currently sit 13th in the table, while RSCA remained fourth following last week’s win at Zulte Waregem. With four matchdays to go, the race for the final Champions Play-offs spots is still wide open. Jérémy Taravel is therefore urging calm: “We stay alert. Just because we won last week doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels.” Watch his full press conference on Mauve TV.
“We need to stay focused until we are mathematically secured in the top six and we simply want to collect as many points as possible,” Taravel said on the eve of the match. RSCA claimed a 2-4 win at the Elindus Arena last weekend, thanks in part to a hat-trick from Thorgan Hazard. “Was he in an even better mood than usual at Neerpede this week? Thorgan is always in a good mood,” Taravel added with a smile.
Against Zulte Waregem, the Belgian mainly operated as a false nine — an idea that had been developing in Taravel’s mind for some time. “I really like him in that role,” said the Frenchman. “As a false nine, he can find space between the lines, combine centrally and also run in behind. We also know how clinical he is in front of goal - he’s already on nine league goals.” He now sits just one goal behind Jupiler Pro League top scorer Keisuke Goto.
“Thorgan has already scored three times from that false nine position, but in the coming matches I may rotate up front. All the attackers are training sharply, the group is committed and focused. Everyone is ready to play their part.” Taravel also faces decisions in defence, with Diarra returning from suspension against Leuven. “Ilic has been putting in strong performances in central defence after his adaptation period, so we have options there. I would always rather have healthy competition within the squad than no choice at all. I’m constantly looking for the right balance and stability.”
That stability has occasionally remained a work in progress in recent weeks - Zulte Waregem created several chances against the Mauves last week. “Yes, that’s true,” Taravel admitted. “But we shouldn’t overlook the fact that we scored four goals and won the game. There is still room for improvement, and finding the right balance between scoring goals and defensive solidity remains a key focus.” Taravel also wants to see his side assert themselves more, especially at home. “We are RSC Anderlecht. We play in a beautiful stadium with loyal fans behind us. We have to bring them along by imposing ourselves on the game - both offensively and defensively.”
We’ll find out on Saturday 28 February at 20:45 at the Lotto Park against OH Leuven.