KV Kortrijk manager Daniel Beichler has dismissed fixture congestion concerns ahead of his side’s Belgian Pro League match against Standard, pointing to elite clubs like Club Brugge to frame the demands of modern professional football.
Fixture congestion holds no water for Kortrijk
Kortrijk face a demanding stretch of three matches in eight days, but Beichler insists the packed calendar is simply part of the job description. Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, the Austrian coach made it clear that complaints have no place in his squad.
“That we now play three matches in eight days I don’t find a theme. Club Brugge has to play multiple times almost every week. It’s our job,” Beichler said.
Despite brushing off the schedule, Beichler acknowledged that the Kerels enter Saturday’s fixture at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne as clear underdogs. Standard enter the match carrying strong form and expectations, leaving the visitors to look closely at vulnerabilities they can exploit.
“Standard is a good team and it is clear that they are the favorite. We know their qualities, but I have also found things to hurt them,” Beichler stated.
Squad updates and injury news ahead of Saturday
Kortrijk received a boost from the treatment room ahead of the weekend, with goalkeeper Marko Ilic returning to availability. Beichler remained tight-lipped, however, on whether the Serbian international will immediately reclaim his spot between the posts.
“Who my first goalkeeper is, you will see on Saturday,” Beichler said with a wink.
Midfielder Jamie Roche and defender Nayel Mehssatou have both resumed group training and are ready for selection. Basile Vroninks remains sidelined, with Beichler noting that the club must exercise patience for several more weeks before his return.
Suspension clarity for Shandre Campbell
Forward Shandre Campbell will miss the Standard fixture due to suspension. The ban concludes immediately following Saturday’s match, leaving Campbell available for selection when Kortrijk face KV Mechelen.
Rather than obsessing over the opposition, Beichler stressed that his players must maintain internal discipline and execute their tactical plan.
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