Anderlecht aimed high this season, but after the match against Genk doubts surfaced again. Sporza analyst Bert Sterckx saw similarities with the period under Brian Riemer, especially in the approach to the match. “There was a lack of a clear identity yesterday,” he concluded.
The comparison with Slavia Prague was quickly made. Then Anderlecht played defensively, but coach David Hubert's plan was correct. “I also had a bit of a feeling of “Riemer-ball” at Slavia Prague. With Dendoncker as more of a defender than a midfielder and Verschaeren who often moved to the right, it went well,” Sterckx noted. “Vazquez brought more weight to the attack than Dolberg yesterday.”
In Genk, however, Anderlecht seemed to be between two strategies. “Play Slavia style or rely more on one's own strength? It was neither a mussel nor a fish,” says Sterckx. “The knife sharpener had clearly not visited, because both the sharpness and the conviction were missing.”
On top of that, Anderlecht lost too many matches and was less strong on the ball than Genk. Dolberg's absence from the match was noticeable. “No Dolberg, no party. He only got into scoring position once and was otherwise invisible,” Sterckx analyzed.
Yet the Purple & White do not have to worry too much. After a strong series, this match can be a learning moment. But the real test will follow on January 12, when Anderlecht takes on Club Brugge at home.
The previous top matches against Genk and Club Brugge were lost. Sterckx is clear: “If Anderlecht wants to compete for the title in May, it must show against Club Brugge that it has taken a step forward. That seems like a good resolution for 2025.”
