Brussels, Belgium – Anderlecht continued its impressive form under interim manager Jérémy Taravel, securing a victory over OH Leuven this weekend and significantly strengthening their position in the race for a coveted spot in the Champions’ Play-offs. The win marks another positive result for the Brussels club, who are finding renewed confidence under Taravel’s leadership.
The match saw Anderlecht overcome an early setback, demonstrating resilience and tactical flexibility to secure a comfortable victory. The team’s recent success is largely attributed to a bold tactical shift implemented by Taravel, utilizing Thorgan Hazard in an unconventional “false nine” role. This strategic adjustment has proven remarkably effective, with Hazard finding the back of the net consistently and providing a creative spark in the final third.
Hazard Thriving in New Role
Thorgan Hazard, a Belgian international with a history at Borussia Dortmund and Mönchengladbach, has become central to Anderlecht’s attacking plans. He has scored three goals in his last three matches while playing as a false nine, adding to a season total of nine goals. Taravel revealed that deploying Hazard in this position wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather a carefully considered tactical move. “It’s an idea I’ve had for a while,” Taravel explained, emphasizing the benefits of Hazard’s freedom to drift between the lines and his ability to contribute both in build-up play and as a goal threat. “He loves that freedom to drop between the lines to ask for the ball at his feet, but also to go in depth. And he has a nose for goals, as we saw in Zulte Waregem.”
Taravel highlighted Hazard’s comfort in a central position, stating he “feels better in the center than on either flank.” This tactical shift allows Hazard to leverage his strengths and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. The coach also emphasized that this isn’t simply about individual brilliance, but a structured approach to attacking play. “That’s the biggest change I’ve made. But it’s structured freedom, organized chaos. It’s not the intention that everyone just runs everywhere. And we are aware that we need to find a good balance between scoring goals and defensive stability.”
Competition for Striker Position
The success of Hazard in the false nine role has, for the time being, relegated traditional strikers Danylo Sikan and Mihajlo Cvetkovic to the bench. While acknowledging the need for Sikan to adapt to his surroundings, Taravel underscored the importance of prioritizing results. “Sikan needs time to adjust. But at the same time, we are here to win matches. Thorgan scored three times in Zulte and is now on nine goals. The numbers speak for themselves.” Cvetkovic did manage to find the net during the match against OHL, offering a positive contribution when given the opportunity.
Anderlecht’s victory wasn’t without its challenges. The team initially struggled against OH Leuven, finding it difficult to establish a rhythm and combine effectively. Taravel admitted his dissatisfaction with the team’s early performance, but praised their ability to respond and turn the game around. “OHL put us in difficulty. We couldn’t receive any speed into our game or combine. I wasn’t really happy. Then we managed to equalize from a set piece that we had studied beforehand, with the wingers anticipating the crosses. In the second half, we scored at important moments. We punished them when we needed to. We also had more space, which allowed us to develop the game we wanted to produce more easily.”
Looking Ahead to Club Brugge
Anderlecht’s next challenge comes in the form of a tough away match against Club Brugge. Taravel recognizes the significance of this fixture, viewing it as a crucial test of his team’s offensive capabilities against a strong opponent. “It will be a big match, but above all a good test to witness if, offensively, we are capable of being dangerous against a team like Bruges,” he stated. The match promises to be a compelling encounter, with both teams vying for crucial points in the Champions’ Play-off race.
The win against OHL further solidifies Anderlecht’s position as a team to watch in the Belgian Pro League. Taravel’s tactical acumen and the inspired form of players like Thorgan Hazard have breathed new life into the club and fans will be eager to see how they perform against Club Brugge and beyond. The team’s ability to adapt and find success through unconventional tactics highlights the evolving landscape of modern football and the importance of innovative coaching.
Next up for Anderlecht: an away match against Club Brugge on Sunday, March 8th.
What do you think of Anderlecht’s chances in the Champions’ Play-off race? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
