In January, if Standard suffered to win against Kortrijk (1-0) and Saint-Trond (1-2), we should not forget that the opponents also hit the uprights of Laurent Henkinet. Yes, Standard is trying to defend like a starving man, and has become a very difficult team to maneuver, but its solidity risks being put to the test against the “big guys”, like the slaps received in Anderlecht (3-0), Antwerp (3-0) and Ghent (5-0). And it’s not certain that the coin will still land on the right side.
2. An insane end to the calendar
The Rouches have been undefeated for three games, and have just scored two victories for the first time this season, certainly, but against opponents stuck at the bottom of the ranking (Kortrijk 15th and Sint-Truiden 16th). The calendar still offers Liégeois three so-called “affordable” matches, even if Ivan Leko and all the coaches in the world will tell you that they hate this term. Against Dender (Sunday January 26), before two trips to Cercle Bruges (Saturday February 1), then to Westerlo (Sunday 9).
Nacer Chadli played again in the third division with SL16: “I admitted to myself that I missed football too much”
It is then, in the final sprint, that everything will get complicated for Standard. It’s simple, it will end the classic phase with the first five in the ranking, practically in order: Genk, Club Bruges, Anderlecht, Union SG and Antwerp. He will perhaps approach these matches with a liberated mind, but the overall schedule of Ghent, competing for sixth place, appears to be more affordable, even if we should never use this adjective…
-3. An unstable workforce
If we had to write a song summarizing the Standard season, we would certainly find the words injuries, relapses and returns in the chorus. Ivan Leko is working miracles with the squad at his disposal, that’s obvious, but can that last until the end of the season?
There have already been three incoming transfers this winter, and as many outgoing. That won’t be all (read elsewhere), since Price will be leaving. The goalkeeper position is shaken up, the defense is a work in progress due to injuries – even if Leko tries to maintain a certain form of consistency – and the midfield is remodeled with the withdrawal of O’Neill and the expected departure of Price… So many factors that hinder the path to the unexpected Top 6, even if we know that nothing is impossible in Standard.
