© BELGIUM
With the visit of Club Brugge on Sunday, Ronny Deila’s ‘new look’ Standard faces its biggest test of the season. “With the support of the supporters and the entire city, we can beat them,” said a confident Standard coach.
Thomas Standaert
Nine out of nine and conceded only one goal in their last three games. After a difficult start, Standard came under steam just in time for the visit of Club Brugge. The Rouches are already nine games unbeaten against Club at home and hope to continue that series on Sunday.
‘Believe in our chances’
“This will be a big test for us,” Ronny Deila said at his press conference on Friday afternoon. “If we stay well organised, like in our previous matches, they will have a hard time finding opportunities. On the other hand, we have enough offensive quality ourselves to hurt them. I see players in my team who would also be in their squad. I believe in our chances. We can make it difficult for them at home. With the support of the fans and the whole city, I’m sure we can beat them.”
© BELGIUM
Club’s historically impressive performance at Porto (0-4) does not seem to deter Deila. “I expect another game on Sunday. But I was definitely impressed by their match in Porto,” the Norwegian assured. “I think there are few teams that have achieved such a result in Porto over the past twenty years. It was a amazing performance from a club that has been performing at a high level for many years. We look forward to measuring ourselves against them.”
Ngoy out for four to six weeks
Deila can’t count on Nathan Ngoy for that showdown. The young defender suffered a tear in the hamstrings against STVV and will be sidelined for four to six weeks. Kostas Laifis (hamstrings) is also not fit yet, forcing Deila to rearrange his defense. Newcomers Steven Alzate and Marlon Fossey are still waiting for their work permits.
© BELGIUM
Furthermore, it remains to be seen whether summer signings Stipe Perica and Philip Zinckernagel, from whom much is expected, will make their debut in the base. “I find it difficult to change a lot about a team that in the winning mood is. I’m not going to switch to switch”, Deila revealed. But due to Ngoy’s injury, I am now forced to change something. In training I notice that the quality and the intensity is higher every week. We are growing as a team. Sunday against Club will be a good time to show what we are worth.”
