Does defensive shakiness hurt Anderlecht’s title chances? “Good Jan Vertonghen needed to remain competitive”

From a dramatic start, over an important three-pointer to a painful 0 out of 6. Anderlecht experienced a rollercoaster against Dender yesterday. One in which Wim De Coninck mainly targets the purple and white defense. “He makes mistakes all too often,” says the analyst, who also sees fatigue creeping into Club Brugge’s game.

Giving up a lead in the final and thus taking 0 out of 6 just before the turn of the year. Certainly not the end of the year that Anderlecht – yet another title candidate – had in mind.

“The work is on the shelf for 2025, for sure,” says Wim De Coninck. “Colin Coosemans may be the best goalkeeper of the first half of the season, but his defense is still failing.”

“For example, Zanka and Simic receive a lot of criticism. It will take a good Jan Vertonghen – who was just unable to celebrate his return after a long period of injuries – to remain competitive.”

The only question remains whether the 37-year-old experienced leader will be completely free of his Achilles tendon problem by mid-January.

That you turn the situation around, but still enter the boat… These are not good signals.

Wim De Coninck

“Just when Anderlecht emerged as the third dog in the title battle, they lost twice in a row,” notes the analyst.

“At Genk, the Purple & White were mediocre and lost without a chance. Yesterday, Hubert’s players also started dramatically. That you then turn things around, but still go to the boat … Those are not good signals.”

“The next match is at home against Club Brugge. That will be a must win for Anderlecht if it wants to continue to compete for the title. Although the road is still long and a lot is still possible this season due to the division of points.”

On January 12, it will quickly become clear exactly how much is still possible for the Purple & White.

Anderlecht was clearly the loser of the match day, Club Brugge the winner after a spectacular three-pointer against Westerlo.

Although there seemed to be little surplus for the national champion. “It was actually a shame for Westerlo – which played well – that it was left without points,” says De Coninck.

“You have the feeling that it is time for mental rest. The focus seemed a little less due to the accumulation of all the matches. You feel that Blue-Black needs rest and reconstruction. Because January will be a tough month for Club Brugge with top players and Champions League.”

Especially when you take into account how many injured players there are already, consultation within the staff will be very important in the coming weeks.

Wim De Coninck

Resting during the short winter break seems to be the message. But can that be done in just two weeks?

“I don’t think it will bring enough peace to the players,” shakes the analyst, after which he outlines the situation for all clubs in the Belgian first division. “Coaches always want to give some physical impulses.”

“It creates a mixed feeling. On the one hand you want to give rest, on the other hand you want to prepare the group for the final straight line towards the play-offs.”

“Especially when you take into account how many injured players there are already, consultation within the staff will be very important in the coming weeks.”