This week, Brian Riemer was heavily criticized. Silvio Proto and Philippe Albert even felt that he should perhaps leave the club. However, in our opinion such a decision would be unfair given the season achieved by Sporting.
Can Anderlecht offer better football? Yes, without hesitation. Would Anderlecht have obtained the same results by playing better? Difficult to know. If Anderlecht fought for the title until the last day, it was mainly thanks to the realism that Riemer instilled in the team.
Despite the big transfer window that the club achieved last summer, the Danes of Anderlecht know only too well that there is still room for other reinforcements. With the arrivals of Schmeichel, Delaney, Rits, Hazard and Dolberg, the club had strengthened qualitatively. However, despite this, neither Fredberg nor Riemer have claimed that they have a super squad.
Fredberg requested additional transfer period to optimize squad
Observers were convinced of this, but internally, Fredberg requested an additional transfer period in order to optimize the team. The fact that they were in contention for the title – especially due to the failure of other teams – was a good thing, but also raised expectations. The end of seven long years of famine finally seemed to be on the horizon. Anderlecht supporters were impatiently awaiting success.
Anderlecht could have competed with Bruges if three of the five names we mentioned above were present on the pitch, among others, against Club. But it is impossible to say that Anderlecht should play for the title with such a squad and continue to claim it when four key players – including Vertonghen – are missing.
We understand the point of view of Silvio Proto and Philippe Albert. The two former Mauves have known nothing other than the glorious era of Sporting which dominated and won the title every year. The budgets were slightly different then. At the time, Anderlecht did not start a season with two central defenders without reinforcements.
Can he do even better next season? Of course !
Nor without fast players. And there was no need to bring in three players on loan to solve the positional problems. This has already been emphasized: the difference with the core of the Club is enormous, even with that of the Union. Neighbor Brussels plays with two attackers and there are always three others behind them.
Riemer should get a bit of a break, as he got the most out of his group. Can he do even better next season? Of course, it is even desirable. But as Mats Rits said when we asked him about the disappointment that third place might bring: “Ask your colleagues. Before the season started, many said that third place would be a very good thing. But I read other things too.
Whatever happens, Anderlecht will have to play the game until the end. Brian Riemer was also able to see that in Anderlecht, you could quickly lose your hero status. He will also take this into account when working on his playing system and tactics this summer.
