Rivals aiming for Anderlecht's crown
Friday, July 28, 2006
Article summary
Last season's Belgian title was decided on the final day and it looks as if the new campaign, which starts this weekend, will be just as exciting.
Article body
New-look Anderlecht
Anderlecht's title defence will take place without four of the players who made key contributions to last season's success. Hannu Tihinen, Vincent Kompany and Christian Wilhelmsson have departed while Pär Zetterberg has retired. To make up for that loss coach Franky Vercauteren has signed seven players, including Belgium's player of the year Mbark Boussoufa from KAA Gent.
Against the clock
"We have improved in ball possession and technique, but we also need to work on the tactical and physical side," said Vercauteren. "I have to start with a younger squad and that takes time - time I will not have at a club like Anderlecht." Recent history is not on Vercauteren's side given that in the past five seasons no club has won consecutive championships, although Anderlecht were the last club to do so in 2001.
Raising the Standard
Last season's runners-up Standard Liège are also desperate to make history of their own, having failed to win the league since 1983. Dutchman Johan Boskamp has succeeded Dominique D'Onofrio as coach, but the club know that even equalling the feats of last season will not be easy. "Last season was very exciting and that could happen again," said sporting director Michel Preud'homme. "Coming second again would be special while becoming champions would perfect. Looking at our budget, though, fourth place is realistic."
Daerden arrival
With coach Jan Ceulemans having been replaced by Emilio Ferrera in April, Club Brugge will have to make do without another club legend now that Gert Verheyen has retired. Koen Daerden has been signed from KRC Genk and is seen as the type to take over Verheyen's role, while Belgian youth international Timothy Dreesen and forward Ibrahim Salou have also reinforced Brugge's title challenge.
Record signing
The €4m signing of the powerful Daerden broke the Belgian transfer record but it is money well spent according to sporting director Marc Degryse. "Yes, €4m is a lot but we think Daerden can be just as important for us as Verheyen was. With him and Salou we went for players who are used to the Belgian League, which will ease their adjustment."