Antwerp closed out the regular Jupiler Pro League season with a 1-0 defeat away to OH Leuven on Sunday, leaving their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Despite the disappointing result, head coach Joseph Oosting remains remarkably upbeat, emphasizing the demand to maintain their current trajectory. The loss, however, underscores a challenging period for the Great Old, who are now looking to salvage something from Playoff 2.
Oosting, who took the helm at Antwerp in November 2025, has seen a modest improvement in results since his arrival. According to VoetbalBelgie, Antwerp climbed from 14th to 10th place under his leadership. However, the recent form – six losses in fourteen competitive matches – is a cause for concern. The team finished ninth in the league, just three points above the relegation zone.
“We had things well under control against OHL, because we imposed ourselves and also conceded very little,” Oosting told reporters, as reported by VoetbalBelgie. “The only critical point is that we created too few chances from our dominance. In the final phase of the field, we lacked the right decisions.” OH Leuven registered 15 shots to Antwerp’s 7, with 4 on target compared to Antwerp’s 1.
The Dutch manager’s record at Antwerp currently stands at 5 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses in 14 league matches, averaging 1.29 points per game. This represents an improvement over his predecessor, Stef Wils, who managed 3 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses in 15 games (0.93 points per game). However, as VoetbalBelgie points out, the difference is marginal.
Despite the challenges, Oosting believes a strong finish in Playoff 2 could still yield a European qualification spot. “If we win this series, we still have a chance of a European ticket,” he stated. This optimism comes despite Antwerp’s precarious position and the need for a significant turnaround in form.
The situation at Antwerp is further complicated by recent personnel changes. Stef Wils was relieved of his duties, with the club acknowledging that more potential could be extracted from the existing squad. The club is also navigating the return of veteran player Dieumerci Mbokani from injury, as reported by VoetbalPrimeur.be, a boost for the team as they head into the playoffs.
Beyond the on-field struggles, there’s positive news within the Oosting family. His son, Thijs Oosting, has recently grow a father, as reported by Voetbalkrant.com. While unrelated to the team’s performance, it’s a welcome distraction and source of joy for the Oosting family.
Looking ahead, Antwerp will need to quickly address their shortcomings if they hope to make a meaningful impact in Playoff 2. Oosting’s ability to instill confidence and extract the best from his players will be crucial. The team’s next match will be a key indicator of their potential for the remainder of the season. The Jupiler Pro League playoffs are known for their intensity and unpredictable nature, and Antwerp will need to be at their best to navigate the challenges ahead.
Joseph Oosting’s managerial career has seen him move through various levels of Dutch football before arriving in Belgium. He began his coaching journey with CVV Germanicus in 2008 and has since held positions at WKE, ACV, Vitesse (at various youth levels), HHC Hardenberg, Jong Vitesse, and RKC Waalwijk before joining Twente in 2023 and then Antwerp in 2025. His experience will be vital as he attempts to turn around Antwerp’s fortunes.
Antwerp’s recent team-building exercise on a golf course, as reported by HBVL, suggests an attempt to foster team spirit and cohesion. Whether this translates into improved performances on the pitch remains to be seen.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Antwerp is their upcoming match in Playoff 2. Details regarding the exact date, time, and opponent are expected to be announced shortly by the league. Fans will be hoping to see a more determined and effective performance from the team as they strive to secure a European qualification spot.
What are your thoughts on Antwerp’s chances in Playoff 2? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
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