On Saturday 31 October at 20:45, Halloween night, the Mauves will return to the Park after five consecutive away games - a first in the club’s history. RSCA will host KVC Westerlo, currently seventh in the league standings. “It’s time to finally return to Lotto Park and give our fans a positive result”, said Vítor Bruno. Watch his full press conference on Mauve TV.
It has been a difficult week for the Mauves, something the Portuguese coach acknowledged at the start of his press conference. “We lost 4-0 against Gent last week, but when you look at the match statistics, it’s hard to believe that was the outcome. The scoreline didn’t reflect the way the game unfolded, but it was the final result. Now we need to respond by showing a winning mentality after this difficult week.”
RSCA have struggled to find the back of the net in recent league games. “There is a lack of efficiency, yes”, Bruno admitted. However, the Portuguese coach continues to stand by his decisions. “Cvetković scored just a few days before the game against Gent, in the Europa League against Jagiellonia Białystok. The most important thing for me is that we keep creating chances. If I pick a different striker tomorrow and he doesn’t score, there will be criticism again. That’s football and it’s part of our job. I try to filter out the criticism and focus on what can help us move forward. I’m certainly willing to listen to different perspectives, but I make the final decision and take responsibility for it.”
When asked about the growing pressure on his position, the coach was clear. “I put pressure on myself every single day. I’m demanding of myself, my staff and my players. That’s in my nature, and it’s what you expect at a big club like RSC Anderlecht. This club is not just here to win matches; it’s here to win trophies. We have to keep taking steps towards that goal, and I’m convinced we’re on the right track. I want to win every single day. And that’s the mentality we need to show until the final whistle.”
Join us tomorrow at 20:45 at Lotto Park for the Mauves’ first home game in 42 days. Vítor Bruno may have to do without Marten Winkler, with the German midfielder a doubt for the clash against Westerlo. Ilay Camara and Killian Sardella will also be unavailable.