This Sunday, on Easter Day, the fourth matchday of the Champions’ Play-offs is scheduled. The Mauves welcome Antwerp FC to the Park for a crucial match in the battle for a European ticket. “This match is important for the rest of our play-offs,” said Hasi on Friday. Watch his full pre-match press conference on Mauve TV.
RSCA kept a clean sheet in their last four home league matches against Antwerp. Last weekend at the Duden Park, it became clear to the coach where the main focus for improvement lies: the final third of the pitch. “At times we managed to switch flanks well against Union, but we didn’t create enough danger.” This was a key point of focus in training this week. “We need to get the ball more often to our attacking players.”
To create that attacking danger, the Mauves will count on the Dolberg-Hazard duo. “Thorgan isn’t in top form yet, which is understandable after his serious injury,” Hasi explained. “He’s doing everything he can to get back to his best. The stats also show that he’s putting in the work and covering a lot of ground.” Still, the lack of reward for his efforts is frustrating for the winger. “Thorgan needs to rediscover the joy in his game and take some pressure off himself,” added Hasi.
The coach also saw Mats Rits and Moussa Ndiaye return to the training pitch this week. “We’ll see how they feel tomorrow and whether they can be part of the squad on Sunday.” Killian Sardella and Mario Stroeykens are training individually, and Tristan Degreef is unavailable due to a back injury. Adryelson took a knock to the shin during the Union match and hasn’t trained this week. Could Hasi turn to Nathan De Cat? “It’s clear that he can become an important player for the club in the future, but we don’t want to put pressure on him.” Is a starting spot too soon for the 16-year-old midfielder? “We’ll see,” Hasi said with a wink.
The coach kept his cards close to his chest regarding Sunday’s starting eleven. What is clear is the importance of this match in the race for fourth place. “This match is important for the rest of our play-offs,” he reiterated. RSCA have already beaten Antwerp twice in the league this season (1-2 and 2-0), and also triumphed over RAFC in both legs of the Belgian Cup semi-finals.
We’ll know the outcome around 15:30 on Sunday. Kick-off on Easter Day at the Lotto Park is at 13:30.