A Brussels derby is always something special. For Hasi’s men, the match in the Duden Park is also an opportunity to show they can take another step forward. “RSCA must always rely on its own strength, but everyone will have to be at their best against Union,” the coach said at his press briefing. Watch the full press conference ahead of the derby now on Mauve TV.
Of course, our coach was asked about RSCA’s past stats against Union. But according to him, past results don’t matter. “If you look at the current squad, there aren’t many players who were there for those previous defeats at Union. The past doesn’t live in my head, and we haven’t talked about it past week either.”
Still, our head coach knows exactly what awaits him in the Duden Park. “Union are tough to beat because they have a bit of everything in their game — speed, intelligence, strength. They’ve just taken 6 out of 6 and are hitting form at the right time.” But as Hasi insists, Sporting must always rely on its own strengths and exploit the available space to hurt Union. “We’re often looking for quick combinations now — we have to keep that in our game. But when there’s space, we also need to switch flanks faster.”
"I don’t have a magic formula to beat Union"
For the trip to the Duden Park, Hasi can count on the same players as last week. That means Kasper Dolberg and Yari Verschaeren are ready for the clash with Union, giving the coach more options. “With those two in, we can also build up play more comfortably, but we have to keep monitoring how their bodies respond.” Mats Rits is expected to resume team training next week. For Mario Stroeykens, it’s still a waiting game.
As coach of KV Mechelen earlier this season, Hasi didn’t lose to Union. He picked up 4 out of 6 in the regular season, and his team won 0-1 in the Duden Park. “But I don’t have a magic formula to beat Union. If we want to get something out of that game, we’ll have to be on point both individually and as a team.”
Besnik is eager to build on that statistic as RSCA visits their Brussels neighbours. Kick-off at the Duden Park on Saturday at 8:45 PM.