Standard travels to Ghent this Sunday for the 14th day of the Pro League. Only one point separates the two teams, who occupy eighth and sixth places respectively. As mid-season approaches, Ivan Leko must remedy his team’s away difficulties. With only 4 points collected outside their land, the Rouches present a sad record, being surpassed in this area only by the Beerschot.
However, Gent are not invincible at home either, having taken just 10 points from six games at their Planet Group Arena, leaving Standard a chance.
In addition, Wouter Vrancken’s players will have to manage the return of their commitment to the European Cup, an area where their performance is far from perfect. Indeed, over the six weekends following their European meetings, they only obtained two victories, against three defeats and a draw.
Standard has yet to win twice in a row
To take advantage of this post-European instability, Standard will have to be consistent in order to secure a second consecutive victory in the Pro League, a feat they have not yet achieved this season.
A key element of the Liège defense, Bosko Sutalo should start once again. The Croatian defender shared his feelings about his experience at Standard at a press conference.
Before joining the club, Sutalo played in Croatia (NK Osijek and Dinamo Zagreb) as well as in Italy (Atalanta and Hellas Verona). He said he was pleasantly surprised by the level of the Belgian championship.
“More intensity in the Pro League than in Serie A”
“There are marked differences between the Croatian top division and the Pro League, but similarities exist with Serie A, where many teams play with three defenders. In Belgium, the intensity is higher than in Italy: it’s faster, more aggressive, with more duels. I still have to adapt to it. »
With his imposing physique (1.88 m), the Croatian defender also revealed his favorite type of opponent: “Big guys. At Atalanta, it was easier to contain Duvan Zapata than Papu Gomez. Defending against Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Romelu Lukaku is less complex than against Lorenzo Insigne, who is faster and dribbler. In Belgium too, there are very good attackers, even if no big names. »
Standard will try to secure a victory away to Ghent, the first since September 13 at Dender.
He played every match
“I feel very good at Standard,” said Bosko Sutalo, who has retained his starting place since his arrival last July. “I’ve played every match since, which hasn’t happened to me for a long time. I am very satisfied with my current journey, although I can still improve, as can the team. I don’t set any limits for myself. I always want to do better. The main thing is that I remained healthy, after a serious injury in the past. »
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