Le Standard hosts Westerlo on Friday evening (8:45 p.m.) as part of the Europe Playoffs but the current context and the lack of sporting issues cast a shadow over this meeting. Officially, players’ salaries should be paid this week for the month of April but what will happen if that is not the case by Friday? “I asked the players to tell me if they were “in” or “out,” assures Ivan Leko. “We have to be able to keep face but I will understand my players if they tell me that they are not ready to play given the situation. So far, no player has come to tell me that they don’t want to play. For my part, I want to give everything I have, finish the job and put on a beautiful face at home, in front of our families and friends. I told the players that they must think about their dignity and this important jersey. Let them act so as not to be blamed for cheating. But I don’t want to force anyone. What happens on Friday, victory or defeat, it doesn’t matter, but we will play with players who will be 100%.”
Asked about the transfer window and the transfer ban announced for Standard, which for its part ensures that transfers this summer will not be impacted, Ivan Leko was clear: “The transfer window? We will need ten players, since ten players are going! (Editor’s note: he gave an approximate figure). I need a new team. To be honest, I’m just the coach, I don’t have the numbers in front of me. I don’t think I’m the only one who wants to see Standard win again and move up the rankings. »
