It will soon be bustling in Brussels. Peter Vandenbempt is already preparing for a high-quality cup final. One in which, according to the commentator, there is much more at stake for Anderlecht and KAA Gent than just long-awaited silverware: “The cup can be crucial in the revival.”
“Two teams that will attack.”
“An uncertain outcome.”
“The sky-high stakes.”
“A full King Baudouin Stadium in good weather.”
Peter Vandenbempt effortlessly sums up arguments why the cup final between Anderlecht and KAA Gent will be a major hit. “The previous confrontation in 2008 was a spectacle of the highest order. Even now all the ingredients are present to do it again.”
With trendsetters on and off the field, our commentator thinks. “At Manchester City – Liverpool you have Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. At the Belgian level, the equivalent is Vincent Kompany against Hein Vanhaezebrouck.”
“Two trainers with an offensive philosophy and who will try to outdo each other. A battle between one of the best coaches in the history of our competition and the coming man.”
Failed sky storm KAA Ghent
Moreover, Vandenbempt knows that both top clubs are longing to be able to put a trophy on their palmares again.
“Because when Anderlecht and KAA Gent last took a prize, nobody thought it would take so long until the next one.”
After the title of Ghent there was a rush of supporters, but many have left in the meantime.
For the Buffalos we have to go back to the national title in 2015. “Ghent was then ready to take the sky by storm”, Vandenbempt recalls. “They wanted to remain a competitor of Club Brugge, but that has proved difficult despite two great European campaigns.”
“Chairman Ivan De Witte admitted that he is incredibly nervous. He wants to grab a trophy again, because the end of his term of office is approaching. Moreover, after the title there was a rush of supporters, but many have left in the meantime. Filling Ghelamco Arena every week again, then a price helps.”
“There will be a lot at stake soon”
Anderlecht also hopes to let its supporters celebrate a great success for the first time since the championship under René Weiler in 2017.
“I know that last year Wouter Vandenhaute addressed the players before the semi-final against Genk with the words: “This club needs a trophy”. Everyone sees that Anderlecht is on its way to the top, but that has to be made tangible. off 1 ticket or third place? You can’t wave at that, can you.”
Everyone sees that Anderlecht are on their way up, but that must be made tangible.
“Don’t forget that Club Brugge’s revival also started with a cup win against Anderlecht. Back then, Blauw-Zwart hadn’t won a trophy for 8 years. After that one win, Club felt that they counted again.”
“Obviously, Anderlecht will only really be their old self again when they compete for the title, but the cup can be crucial in the revival. Also with a view to the coming weeks. Anderlecht can already insure themselves from European football until New Year’s. you go into the play-offs somewhat relaxed – just like Racing Genk a few years ago.”
“It is clear that a lot will be at stake in the future.”
