KV Mechelen meanders between the chance to win a unique double, and the stranglehold of Operation Clean Hands.
Hope to have a festival, bang for the sequel
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KVM-coach Wouter Vrancken: ‘We just want that cup final win.’ Goyvaerts/gmax agency
KV Mechelen meanders between the chance to win a unique double, and the stranglehold of Operation Clean Hands.
Hope to have a festival, bang for the sequel
What if…
Read more below
Soccer-final of the belgian Cup
BrusselHoeveel joy and sorrow can KV Mechelen yet? On march 16, returned Malinwa festive back where it belongs: in the nation’s highest voetbalklasse. But last week was the joy to which promotion is smothered by the claim of the public prosecutor’s office, which the club due to matchfixing back to the hell of 1B wants to send. And tomorrow, may 1, KV for the second time in its existence, to win the cup final. But even then, the festival is already cleaved: they may now have Europe in it or not?
Coach Wouter Vrancken (40) refuses to give in to the oppressive thought, just like his players, he claims. “Of course, it is talked about it: 1A or 1B, it is a big difference. Some will also already be their real estate agent have asked for it yet, but look forward to. But believe me, I have the words of European football here, not a single time heard. We just want that cup final win. I was there Sunday, have a meeting about with the most experienced players. That confirmed to me that the focus on training and in the dressing room is correct. No worry. Immediately after the claim has owner Dieter Penninckx the players explained what would come. And said: Now you have to make yourself think. In a positive sense. Did not see it, but to your career thinking.’
The players can the betichte Olivier Somers and co. still believe? “I have the directors still spoken. They are confident, so are we. I’m also no one to point the finger, that already happens enough.’
“I’ve read that Ghent this cup final really can not lose if they are a little top. But rest assured: we will be ready’
Wouter Vrancken
Coach KV Mechelen
Vrancken had other things to do the past few weeks: his team, that it is without the suspended Onür Kaya will have to do and six weeks, interrupted, preparation for the cup final, for example. “I think we have found a solution for the lack of Kaya. There is also very well trained, the data indicate that we are physically as strong as six weeks ago. But the lack of matchritme can be so-called. The cardiotesten of Igor De Camargo (who is just back from injury, ed.), for example, were fine, but after one half in the oefenmatch against Lokeren, he was already broken.’
In between, took the coach all the time to AA Gent thoroughly studying, no team that resembled just will eats up. “We have this season have already proven that we have first-class worth. I have the last few weeks all their matches seen. They were not always what they earned, it is a strong team. But with the weak points: they score difficult, give spaces away… Moreover, the pressure at Ghent, that can in our favor.”
That underdogrol is located in Mechelen. And all the misery makes for a extra boost. With the players and with the 21.000-ridden, but oh so loyal fans tomorrow at the King baudouin stadium – the thousands who made the match in the AFAS stadium on the big screen will follow is not yet taken into account. ‘I need you from: love our supporters but in the eye, grins Vrancken. “They have always been unique and fierce. And sure now we all want to be so happy.’
Unique debut
It would be something: Wouter Vrancken, only 40, in his first, not even full season as a head coach in the professional football champion (albeit in second class) and a cup winner. Only seven illustrious names, among whom Sinibaldi and Happel, did him the double for – and all with much more experience on the counter. It is called: a strange trail. The Observer, ex-player of AA Gent, and ten years ago, losing bekerfinalist with KV Mechelen, has to say not yet thought about. ‘Though I can’t deny that it’s an incredible year. And with everything played a part since the breaking loose of Operation Clean Hands is also an extremely rewarding year. (thinks) I was already convinced of what I could do. But dealing with the reactions and the panic in some players by which case was… special. People management is still essential in this profession. I found confirmation, so to speak.’
Confirmation that he is a top coach in the making, already exists the chance that his team next year in 1B should start, with 12 points deduction also. “I’m going to still assume that it is with KV Mechelen in 1A. I’m still a year under contract. If it 1B, I look at that.’
But now it counts only those Croky Cup. Tonight is going to Malinwa in seclusion in Tubize, the complex of the damned football. And tomorrow at 14.30 hours get are already dogged the team the last injection of the sporting boss. “Yes, I have something prepared. (monkelend) I’ve read that Ghent this cup final really can not lose if they are a little top. But don’t worry: we’ll be ready.’
Wednesday (14.30, live on Sporza): AA Gent–KV Mechelen, cup final (Croky Cup)
What if…
By the case pending against KV Mechelen because of the possible (attempted) bribery of Waasland-Beveren there are still several scenarios possible after any bekerwinst.
AA Gent will be the cup winner?
– AA Gent qualifies directly for the group stage of the Europa League.
– The number four from Play-off 1 play the barragematch against the winner of Play-off 2 for the last (and lowest) ticket for the Europa League.
KV Mechelen
the cup win?
OPTION 1: KV Mechelen goes unpunished in Operation ‘Clean Hands’
– KV Mechelen qualifies directly for the group stage of the Europa League.
– The number four from Play-off 1 play a barragematch against the winner of Play-off 2 for the last (and lowest) ticket for the Europa League.
OPTION 2: KV Mechelen is convicted
in Operation
‘Clean Hands’
– KV Mechelen will not get a European license.
– The number three Play-off 1 qualifies directly for the group stage of the Europa League.
– The number four can be to the last qualifying round of the Europa League
– The number five from Play-off 1 play a barragematch against the winner of Play-off 2 for the last (and lowest) ticket for the Europa League.
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