Tomorrow is the day again for Antwerp football: the derby between Beerschot and Antwerp. Coach of the Kielse Ratten, Dirk Kuyt, looked ahead to the crucial match during his press chat: “It sounds crazy, but this match comes at a good time for us.”
Before coming to the order of the day, the Dutch coach looked back on the narrow loss in the cup against Anderlecht. “The atmosphere in the dressing room after the match was right for me,” said Kuyt. “There was mainly frustration and disappointment, because we were unable to control a game in which we had opportunities. Of course, there was also some frustration from the players about the field. After that, the group immediately turned things around and headed into the derby this weekend with full focus.”
Good time
So tomorrow, Beerschot and Antwerp, two arch-rivals will be diametrically opposed to each other. “I think I now understand what this derby means for the city of Antwerp. I’ve had the opportunity to play some myself (such as with Feyenoord against Ajax or with Liverpool against Everton, ed.)but every derby has its own charm. Just like this one. It is therefore very clear to me what this match means for the club, but also for the city and the supporters.”
“It is very clear to me what this match means for the club, but also for the city and the supporters.” — © BELGIUM
Yet Kuyt came up with a surprising response: “It may sound crazy, but I think this derby, on a difficult field in a critical phase for us, comes at a good time. If we manage to finish this match successfully, it will be a great boost for the rest of the season. Certainly for the group of players, but even more so for the club and the supporters.”
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The supporters in Antwerp are also eagerly looking forward to the derby. — © ATV
“Am I looking for revenge after the first derby? It was clear that we were in a completely different phase then than we are in now. We want, at all costs, to make our supporters cheer tomorrow. They will be extremely important for us and I expect them to be a crucial weapon for us.”
New reinforcement
With Hakim Sahabo, the first winter reinforcement landed at Kiel on Thursday. The youngster was already allowed to sit on the bench against Anderlecht, but now he could possibly play. Kuyt: “The match against Anderlecht came a little too early for Hakim due to all the fuss and hassle surrounding the transfer. He did participate in the preparation of that match to see how we work and what we expect from him on a tactical level. So he can play tomorrow if he has to.”
And what about Ryan Sanusi?
Sanusi last played minutes on a visit to KV Kortrijk almost three months ago. That is why we asked the Beerschot coach to get an update on the rehabilitation of the Kiel captain. “The situation Ryan is in is not easy,” said Kuyt. “He has been struggling with a long-term injury for several weeks but he remains positive. For example, last week he attended a training camp in Zeeland.”
“He recuperates within the club, but sometimes also outside because that is easier for him. Of course, he remains the captain of our team and one of the most important voices in the locker room. That’s why I sincerely hope that he can return to action this season. It is difficult to estimate because he is still in the recovery process. Even though he can’t play, he remains a huge presence within the group and a great support for his team.”
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