On Sunday, the Mauves host FCV Dender. After 21 matchdays, RSC Anderlecht sit fourth in the Jupiler Pro League. Following the defeat against KAA Gent, the coach is expecting a reaction from his players against the team currently bottom of the table. Perhaps that response will already come from the new attacking signing? “Sikan reminds me a bit of Iachtchouk, but he is more explosive,” Hasi said during his press conference. His full press moment is now available on Mauve TV.
As usual, the coach began by providing an update from the medical department. Ludwig Augustinsson, who was forced to leave the pitch early in the match against KAA Gent, will not be available this Sunday. “Only after the scan will we know how long he will be sidelined. The initial images looked positive, so I don’t think it will be very long.” Whether he will be able to make the trip to Standard next week remains uncertain. Ilay Camara returns to the squad. For Ali Maamar, the match against Dender still comes too soon, as is also the case for Mario Stroeykens and César Huerta, who have not yet trained with the group.
With the arrival of Danylo Sikan, Sporting strengthened their attacking line this week. “Danylo trained with the group for the first time on Friday. He is physically ready.” The Ukrainian striker adds a more football-minded profile up front. “He can bring calm by holding up the ball in advanced positions. He is also strong in combination play and provides depth in our game.” A comparison with former RSCA striker Oleg Iachtchouk, another Ukrainian who shared the dressing room with Besnik Hasi, is therefore not far-fetched. “I played with Oleg at two clubs. In terms of movement and game intelligence in combinations, they are similar, but Danylo is stronger, taller, and more explosive,” Hasi explained.
“Now we need to make sure that Danylo’s integration into the group goes smoothly, but he speaks good English, which is a positive.” Whether the new signing can make an immediate impact against FCV Dender remains to be seen, with the coach expecting a response from his players. “In the league, we lost our last two matches, at home against Charleroi and away at Gent. Now we have a new opportunity at home against Dender, a team with a clear playing style and nothing to lose. Last week they beat Antwerp after a strong performance.” The Mauves are therefore duly warned.
Kick-off is on Sunday 25 January at 6:30 p.m. at the Lotto Park. Ahead of the match, RSCA will celebrate the club’s cultural heritage together with Mosaert and Stromae, featuring a vibrant tribute show. The last tickets are now available via ticketing.rsca.be.