Felice Mazzù will be able to enjoy his entire group this Thursday against the Danes of Silkeborg in the Conference League, with the exception of Raman (ankle) and Trebel (shoulder). His Sporting has not won since the injury of the French median on the synthetic lawn of Bern. “The European Cup is a different competition from the championship. And that gives us a lot of energy. We want to start well. Anderlecht is back in a group stage after four years and we want to figure well.”
For that, it will be necessary to score, which the RSCA has struggled to do in recent weeks (3 goals in the last 4 meetings, including 2 on Sunday against Louvain). “Yes, we are still looking for the right offensive formula. Could it be through a tactical change? Yes, it is not impossible. Above all, we must try to surround Fabio (Silva) better so that he does not have to too many races for nothing. He will gain in freshness and presence in the box. Sebastiano (Esposito) showed a lot of good will on Sunday, he is on the right path. But I’m not just aiming for the attack, the impulse must come from the whole team.”
Four games without a win at Anderlecht is never a comfortable situation for the coach. Mazzù is well aware of this. “But I’m not putting any pressure on myself. It’s not a pleasant situation but I found my players in good spirits after the draw against Leuven. They were still a little disappointed with the result but in a state of mind positive. Finally on Sunday, we conceded two goals on individual errors. We will start again.”
Arnstad: ‘My mind has always stayed in Anderlecht’
Kristian Arnstad accompanied his trainer Felice Mazzu to a press conference on Wednesday, his 19th birthday. “A win against Silkeborg on Thursday would be the perfect birthday present. Of course if I can help the team take the three points, that’s even better,” smiled the Norwegian midfielder. Arnstad was used in all four preliminary round fixtures played by Anderlecht, including three times as a starter, including the double clash with Young Boys. “These two duels were at the level of European football, very intense physically. Tactically we had conceded a goal in two games and we did enough to get to this group stage. We know that Silkeborg are a good team too, technically, who likes to have the ball. We can’t wait to play tomorrow.”
Launched to everyone’s surprise by Vincent Kompany against Club Brugge on October 4, 2020, Arnstad then only made two other appearances during that season. During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, he had not played a single minute before reappearing at the end of the regular season and playing five playoff games. In May, he extended his contract until 2025.
“My head has always remained in Anderlecht,” explained Norwegian. “I was trying to improve as much as possible. The club helped me a lot. Extending my contract here seemed like a good idea.”
His coach, Felice Mazzu, appreciates the “positive development” of his young midfielder. “He has a big desire, a big mentality, he is always ready to fight for the team. Today, he accumulated a lot of playing time. He is a boy with a very positive attitude, it is good for its evolution,” said Mazzu.