The first of these five Pro League meetings awaits the Unionists this Saturday evening, against Mechelen. The ideal opportunity to consolidate their leadership position. Currently in the lead with one point ahead of their runner-up, Bruges, the Union is eleven lengths ahead of their evening opponent, fifth in the standings. “We still have three objectives this season, reminiscent of the unionist T1. In the Champions League, it would obviously be a miracle. But in the Cup and the championship, we want to go as far as possible. It should not become an obsession but each match should bring us closer to our final goal. The one against Mechelen is a new opportunity.”
For this duel, David Hubert will have to cope without Rob Schoofs, ill, nor Christian Burgess, suspended. A hard blow, as the captain is a pillar of the locker room: he has only missed three of the twenty-eight matches played this season. “This is obviously a very important element, analysis Hubert. He is an emblematic captain who represents the club perfectly. But other players are ready to take leadership. I have great confidence in those who will play in central defense, like Leysen who can indeed play in the middle. Barry? He can also develop there, but I see him more on one side.”
The premiere of Zeneli
If Massiré Sylla is not yet in administrative order, Besfort Zeneli should on the other hand experience his very first call-up with the Union. The 23-year-old Swedish midfielder trained with the entire group this Friday and will strengthen the midfield thanks to his complete profile, capable of contributing offensively while carrying out his defensive tasks. “He trained on Thursday and completed a full session on Friday, explains the coach. He is an intelligent player who reads spaces very well. He has excellent technique, a real vision and very good timing. He is calm, clean on the ball and has a good head on his shoulders.”
Besfort Zeneli is an intelligent player with excellent technique.
The coach, however, is nuanced about his state of form. The Swede’s season with Elfsborg ended in mid-November. “He had a month off and missed a few sessions to finalize his transfer. He is not yet 100%, but he is fit to join the selection.”
Same observation for Adem Zorgue, eliminated last Saturday with Algeria at the Can. After two days of rest, he returned to the group on Thursday. Ousseynou Niang will still be in Rabat on Sunday to play the final between Senegal and Morocco. “Adem is 100% physically, assures Hubert. We will especially have to assess his pace, but he has never stopped being able to play. So he’s ready to start. For Ousseynou, the objective is for him to join us as quickly as possible after the final. I am very happy for him, this experience will be valuable in his progress. He didn’t really cut it this winter, but he got out of the club’s routine. We’ll take stock when he returns.”
After Mechelen, all eyes will turn to one of the most legendary trips in European football: the Allianz Arena in Munich, Wednesday evening. But in the locker room, the word “Bayern” has not yet resonated. “We simply know that they are our next opponent in the Champions League, smiles David Hubert. We talk very little about future deadlines. We will think about it on Saturday evening after Mechelen. If the players want to be lined up against Bayern, they will first have to deliver a big performance this weekend. There is no point in thinking too far ahead: the only way to succeed in this busy schedule is to take the matches one after the other.”
