”Already since the last away victory dates back to September 30, the press release from PHK and the Ultras must have played a role, giving a boost. As you read it, you tell yourself that problems will soon arise. At Standard, it's been the same situation for years. If it really boosted the players, it's not normal that it's only at that moment, when there's pressure, that you say to yourself: 'Oh yeah, I have to play'. Standard struggled with pressing at the start of the match against STVV, particularly with the switches between Koita and Steuckers and their wing backs. It's not a problem of attitude, but of concentration. Fortunately for them, the Rouches quickly equalized with a clearly worked move.”
Kanga points out Standard’s failings: “We are inconsistent in a match”
2. “A lack of individual responsibility.”
”The Liège attitude was perfect… almost to the end. They formed a unit, stood together. Leko still had to try hard to coach a lot. Too much, even. Which reflects a lack of individual responsibility. He helped the team all game with constant coaching. There is a whole element of people management in his tasks, with encouragement, etc. Also. It's certain. But, here, he had to do it for the tactical instructions that not all the players recognize at the same time.”
The expert's opinion: Leko would have done good… on the ground
3. “In a sense, the 1-3 falls unfortunately…”
On the penalty caused by Sahabo, there is not much to discuss. What is annoying is this defense in the first zone of the preceding set phase. Sahabo is clumsy, but the first error comes from this imbroglio in the first zone. Afterwards, you manage to register 1-2 and you are on velvet. Then, Balikwisha puts his hands on his temples, seeming to say: 'We're not giving up.' In the end, 1-3 falls. I even want to say 'unfortunately', because relaxation occurs at this moment. It must be said that Fink made some good changes.”
For Standard, another failure and always failures…
4. “Consistent changes but too disruptive”
”Does Leko have gamechangers? I have my doubts. Yeboah had taken a yellow but carried out constant pressure with Kanga on the central trio of Sint-Truiden. Fini took Canak's place and had difficulty taking the temperature against Steuckers at this point in the game. Dewaele's (good) rise pushed Price back into the middle at the expense of Balikwisha… Leko made his substitutions to control, counter and keep the score, but the second from STVV completely changed the scope of his changes. His substitutions are consistent but too disruptive for few changes.”
5. “Canak’s performance should not be a blip.”
”Following the interview he asked the coach, Canak had a good match. This shouldn't be a fool's errand. He has potential, Standard and Leko know it. This kind of episode should allow him to grow. He must not say to himself: 'When I go out, I complain'. There is first a question of legitimacy that arises and then that of timing: is this the time to do it? Balikwisha, apart from one or two missed passes, had a very good match. This is worth emphasizing given the difficulties they have experienced this season.”
