Ndown by ten points out of twelve after four days of the Europa League, Anderlecht can be calm when hosting Porto this Thursday evening. For its part, the Lusitanian club arrives in Belgium in the midst of a crisis.
The Dragons’ three-game losing streak – Lazio in the Europa League, Benfica in the league and Moreirense in the Cup – forced president André Villas-Boas to calm down supporters after last weekend’s match. “Porto remains a big club in Portugal and Europe,” warns David Hubert. “It’s like Anderlecht: when you concede two or three defeats, it’s a crisis. A big club is capable of handling this pressure. I expect the best version of Porto this Thursday. Players will want to show why they wear this club’s jersey. They will be aggressive, full of desire and will want to play offensively, they who have some very good elements in this sector. We are ready to face this team and I hope we can play with confidence and put them in difficulty. »
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“Jan Vertonghen gave his impressions of Porto”
For this shock, the Mauvres will have to do without Ludwig Augustinsson, injured in the side, as well as Killian Sardella, injured in ankle ligaments. The two full-backs are on the sidelines for a few weeks. “We have to find solutions,” says T1 of the RSCA. “Regarding Sardella, it’s a shame because he was playing at a very good level in recent weeks. I have players available to replace him including Thomas Foket, who is very experienced. He faced competition from Sardella and had to adapt to his new club. He has done good things but knows he can still do better. It’s a good time for him to show what he can bring to us. »
Sporting hopes to see another defender return soon in the person of Jan Vertonghen. Injured since August, the Antwerp player has not remained inactive while waiting to return to competition. Present at each match, the former Red Devil participated in the preparation of Thursday’s match against Porto. A team he faced six times during his time in Portugal under the colors of Benfica. “During the video analysis session, it was Jan Vertonghen who spoke first,” says Hubert. “He gave his impressions of FC Porto. This is of great value to our players ahead of Thursday’s match. »
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A meeting on which the RSCA coach is counting to see his team consolidate its place in the top 8, the Mauves currently in fifth place in the ranking. “We want to total the greatest number of points and go as far as possible in this competition,” he confirms. “. Like the other teams involved in this competition, we want to win the Europa League. »
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