KV Mechelen prepares to face OH Leuven with manager Fred Vanderbiest back on the sidelines after serving a suspension, while the club provides support to goalkeeper Nacho Miras during a difficult family situation.
Vanderbiest, who missed the previous match against Kortrijk while under suspension, will return to his role on the bench for the game in Leuven. During his absence, the coach monitored the game remotely from a hotel room and expressed his eagerness to be back on the touchline.
“Of course, I missed that,” Vanderbiest said. “The bench is my habitat.”
The club is also managing a sensitive personal situation involving its Spanish goalkeeper, Nacho Miras. Miras was included in the squad for the match against Kortrijk, but the team is giving him time away from the pitch. His father is reportedly ill, and Miras may need to travel back to Spain in the coming days.
“It is not for us to make statements about that, but we will support Nacho in any way,” Vanderbiest explained. “It is possible that he will travel to Spain again in the coming days. We have all the understanding for that.” The club’s priority is to allow Miras the necessary space to manage his family affairs.
De Wolf Steps in as Miras Takes Leave
With Miras potentially unavailable, Ortwin De Wolf has been given the opportunity to start in goal. The young goalkeeper has made the most of his chance, impressing Vanderbiest with his recent performances.
“He has shown himself in the last few matches and has performed as you expect a professional to perform,” Vanderbiest stated. The manager expressed satisfaction with his goalkeeping options, noting, “It is good to know that we have two good goalkeepers.”
Mechelen’s Unbeaten Run Builds Confidence
Sportingly, KV Mechelen is in positive form. Vanderbiest pointed to on-field body language as a clear indicator of this growing belief.
“When you see players making certain feints or movements, you know that the confidence is there,” he said. “Everything flows a bit more smoothly when you have five matches without a defeat.”
Manager Outlines Plan for Leuven Clash
Looking ahead to the crucial fixture against OH Leuven, Vanderbiest has a clear strategy for his team. He emphasized the need for his players to be assertive and proactive on the field.
“Claim the ball. Play with conviction and courage. Play forward football,” Vanderbiest outlined his tactical approach. “If we do that, we will take points against anyone.”
High Stakes Before International Break
A victory against OH Leuven would be particularly significant for KV Mechelen. The result could lift the team completely out of the relegation zone, providing a major boost just before the upcoming international break.
KV Mechelen’s match against OH Leuven is scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
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