RSC Anderlecht’s recent performances have been a rollercoaster, leaving fans questioning the team’s consistency. Just days after a crucial home victory against AA Gent, the club managed onyl a disappointing draw against OH Leuven, a team struggling near the bottom of the league. Coach Besnik Hasi has come under scrutiny for the team’s lackluster display.
The win against Gent, secured earlier in the week, marked Anderlecht’s first victory as mid-August. Hopes were high that this momentum would carry over to the match in Leuven. On paper, facing a team in the penultimate position in the standings, this away fixture presented an ideal chance for Anderlecht to make a statement and solidify their position.
Hasi’s Defensive Decisions Under Fire
Though, the anticipated statement never materialized. instead, Anderlecht delivered another uninspired performance, appearing outplayed for much of the first half. OH Leuven’s inability to capitalize on their dominance was a fortunate escape for the visitors. While the second half saw a slight betterment in the balance of play, it was hardly a testament to Anderlecht’s own resurgence.
Sam Kerkhofs, a podcaster and co-chairman of Sporting Hasselt, did not mince words on the podcast ’90 minutes.’ “I thought it was a very, very weak game. From both teams,although OHL was still okay in the first half,” Kerkhofs stated. He then turned his attention to Hasi’s tactical choices, notably questioning the decision to play without a recognized striker against a struggling OH Leuven side.”You score anyway, but then as a coach you decide to play without an attacker. Being on Leuven as Anderlecht.”
Fatigue: A Valid Excuse?
Coach Hasi’s post-match comments also raised eyebrows. He cited player fatigue following the midweek clash against Gent as a contributing factor. However, this clarification faces scrutiny. Anderlecht’s match against Gent was rescheduled from late August specifically to accommodate their European preliminary rounds. Had the team progressed further in those competitions, playing two matches a week would have been the norm in the coming months.
Moreover, Anderlecht boasts a deep squad, offering ample opportunities for rotation. “You don’t play European and sit on the couch,Camara,Llansana,Hazard,Cvetkovic,Augustinsson. you could have changed if you were an excuse,” Kerkhofs pointed out. He also cast doubt on Hasi’s claim regarding the substitution of Vazquez, stating, “And at Vazquez’s switch, Hasi says he asked for a replacement, but that didn’t seem like that.” This suggests a potential disconnect between the coach’s narrative and the reality on the field, further fueling criticism of his management.
