Verschueren: "We must be modest but ambitious"

INTERVIEWS Sports director Michael Verschueren looks ahead to the start of the new season at Sporza. Verschueren is ambitious, but also modest after the historically bad season of 2018-2019.


About the competition: Verschueren enthusiastically looks forward to the start of the new season. "Kompany has created a new dynamic", says Verschueren. "Players and staff fully support this plan." Verschueren also realizes that some modesty is appropriate after the previous season in which Purple & White only finished sixth. He certainly wants to go for a price, but he does not specify which one. He also believes that the start will be decisive with opponents in the first four games that should be feasible.

About transfers:Verschueren says he wants to strengthen the team in two places. A wish list is available, but it also depends on the outgoing transfers. Quality and experience have already been achieved with Kompany, Nasri and Vlap.

About Kompany: According to Verschueren, all players have the will to show themselves to Kompany and a new wind has come through his arrival. "Vincent has a strong opinion, but is also open to a debate." says Verschueren. He also believes that with the arrival of Kompany, Anderlecht have saved time and that without his presence it could have been a difficult year. He hopes that the presence of Kompany will speed up Anderlecht's return to the top. Verschueren hopes that Purple & White will be at the top again within two years.

About Davies: Verschueren emphasizes once again that Simon Davies is the Anderlecht coach. Kompany determines the tactics and playing style, but Davies will give the guidelines on the sidelines during games.

About the new playing style:"We must continue to support this new playing style," says Verscheuren, "even though it takes time and the results are not there." He knows that there is still work, but every player knows what his function is on the field and the youth will also use this playing method. Verschueren is convinced that the group of players will succeed in mastering the playing style.

About missing Europe: Verschueren contacted Edwin van der Sar, general manager at Ajax. In 2017-2018 Ajax was eliminated in the preliminary rounds of the Europa League, as a result of which it also largely had to miss European football. Verschueren realizes the seriousness of the matter, but wants to take a new start.