The problem ? Perhaps unlike last year's final sprint, the coin never falls on the right side for number 1 this time. In any case, the observation is worrying and clear: the Great Old has not yet won, scored or kept a clean sheet during these playoffs.
Janssen, symbol of offensive slack
Against Club Bruges, the reigning champions did not create the slightest danger. Except for this opportunity from Ekkelenkamp, just before the Blauw's second goal in Zwart. “We reach a high level, but fail to create chances”analyzed van Bommel.
Surprising for a team which, during the classic phase, was the one which scored the most goals from open play with 40 goals. Symbol of this offensive breakdown? Vincent Janssen, even if it would be unfair to put all the problems on his shoulders.
The Dutch striker, who scored 18 goals last year, has only scored once in his last ten league matches. “I have a feeling of m****admitted Janssen, who kept coming back down to the midfield to touch the leather on Sunday. It was a difficult game with two defenders constantly on me.”
Butez injured, Lammens is not to blame
Antwerp's trademark since the arrival of van Bommel? This ability to keep clean sheets. He was already last season and still is for the moment for this year (Vandevoordt has joined him), Jean Butez is the king of the clean sheet. His broken hand seriously handicaps his teameven if Lammens is in no way at fault for the goals conceded in the last two matches.
Yes, Club Brugge is a candidate for the title: “Everything is going perfectly at the moment”
At Club Bruges, the Antwerp number 2 was first beaten from a standstill. “If you keep putting yourself in situations like this, you're going to end up getting one.”explained Lammens. “It sure would help to keep the zero”reacted Alderweireld. “Afterwards, you can't always be on top. Sometimes there are downs. Sometimes nothing goes your way. I think back to this red (from Wijndal) that we took against Anderlecht or this goal from elsewhere (from Ait El Hadj) against Genk. But we can't just talk about luck, there is a question of quality too. She must come back quickly.”
Van Bommel can't explain what he needs to change
Faced with this 0 out of 9, the first frustrated is obviously van Bommel. “How can we change the situation? This is precisely what is difficult about being a coach. If you win, you can say whatever you want. If you lose, something has to change. But I don't know how to explain what. But what to do? Earn. We will do everything not to finish fifth or sixth.”
Whatever happens, he still has an opportunity to win his fourth trophy in two years at Bosuil with this Cup final scheduled for May 9. Which remains a hell of a performance for any coach in the Pro League. This is why, in Antwerp, van Bommel is adored and appreciated within the club and the city. His passage will remain, whatever happens, in the annals.
The future of the coach in dotted lines
The question, as the end of the season approaches, is obviously whether van Bommel will still be on the Antwerp bench next season. While he extended his contract until 2025 in September (when he was also cited in Saudi Arabia), the feeling that the Dutchman is in his last months at Bosuil reigns within the locker room, as announced by the Nieuwsblad last month. In the port city, van Bommel has rebuilt a solid reputation and remains close to his family with his three sons who play in Maastricht, Alkmaar and Hasselt.
What could push him to take on a new challenge then? His personal ambition, naturally. Then the fact that we will most likely have to rebuild everything at Antwerp next season. Already that Vermeeren has set sail, Keita and Ilenikhena will, for example, “difficult to preserve” as CEO Sven Jaecques revealed to HNB. The club's complicated financial situation will not help either and will push the economy. Not to mention that Overmars will not be able to exercise his duties as director until November. Van Bommel will have to decide…
