The previous season has only just been referred to the archive when the new year is already on its way. As usual, Voetbalkrant.com presents the teams to you before the start of the competition. Today on the menu: Anderlecht, which will look more result-oriented under Felice Mazzu.
Last season
Anderlecht certainly did not do badly and had made progress compared to the first season under Vincent Kompany. Still, they remained too unstable to compete for the main prize. Especially in the matches against Union they missed opportunities for more. The cup final should have been the culmination of the hard work that was done behind the scenes to make the club financially healthy again.
However, that turned out to be a downer. During the season, the relationship between coach Vincent Kompany and his board had also soured. Kompany emphasized several times that results are linked to financial possibilities or patience. The board did not agree with this, given the efforts that were made. Third place was the highest achievable. European football was the minimum goal and that was achieved.
Transfers
Anderlecht got the young wingers Ishaq Abdulrazak (20) and Nilson Angulo (19). They have to compete with the more experienced men. Up front, Peter Verbeke has performed a true miracle by getting two top quality strikers. Although on a rental basis, Anderlecht do not yet have the means to spend 10 million on such men.
With Fabio Silva (20) and Sebastiano Esposito (20), two European top talents have been attracted. They should be able to make chunks up front. Benito Raman and Mario Stroeykens will be their stand-ins. For the rest, it remains to be seen whether there is another opportunity at the back. With the millions they are going to get for Bart Verbruggen from Burnley, something is already possible.
Preparation
Anderlecht won all its matches in the preparation, with the 3-0 against top team Lyon as a reassuring conclusion. The Purple & White seems ready for the competition. Remarkable in the preparation: for the time being, Adrien Trebel is preferred over Marco Kana. That causes some unrest among the supporters, but Mazzu’s system already seems to be a redemption for Yari Verschaeren, among others. He played a fantastic preparation and seems ready to finally break through.
forecast
1.
2.
3.
4. Anderlecht
5. Racing Genk
6. OH Leuven
7. Charleroi
8. KV Mechelen
9. Standard
10. Union
11. Cercle Bruges
12. Westerlo
13. STVV
14. Kortrijk
15. Ostend
16. Zulte Waregem
17. Eupen
18. RFC Seraing
