Shadow coach Wim De Coninck is looking forward to the match between AA Gent and national champion Antwerp: “Buffalos have to go to the Bosuil at a bad time”

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On Wednesday evening the Buffalos will visit ‘The Great Old’. AA Gent will then play its catch-up game against Antwerp and that is also a new important test for Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s team: “They certainly gained confidence against Eupen, but they must also do better against Antwerp, which will be extremely motivated at kick-off. . For them this is already a must-win match.”

The Ghent coach was quite strict for his team after the 2-1 home win against Eupen: “During the first half we were late everywhere and we did not want to play football,” was the verdict of Vanhaezebrouck, who only helped his team thanks to the substitute from good old Sven Kums saw a revival. An observation that has not escaped Wim De Coninck: “It apparently won’t work without Kums for the time being. If he scores a goal and an assist after the break, his importance is only further accentuated. Apparently he feels really comfortable in Ghent!”

In Antwerp, the Buffaloes will meet an opponent who has had an unpleasant week: “The defeat in Barcelona was not that strange. There they hit their limits. I think the 5-0 pandering makes sense. Antwerp always had to win against RWDM, but they certainly did not play well before half time. However, I fear that the Buffalos now have to go to the Bosuil at a bad time. Antwerp will want to hit back and they will not want to widen the gap with Ghent.”

“Ghent now has a five-point lead over Antwerp, but that is of course a snapshot,” De Coninck added. “You also notice that the Champions League story has cost some points. On the other hand, it is short notice for Ghent to now play in and against Antwerp. They played last on Sunday evening and now they have to face the first big test away from home. Moreover, they have now delivered a mediocre performance three times in a row.”

Despite this inferior performance, AA Gent remains on track: “That suggests the best for the future. Especially because they continue to score points despite their attackers’ search for their scoring ability. They certainly gained confidence against Eupen, but they must also do better against Antwerp, which will be extremely motivated at kick-off. For them this is already a must-win match.”

Narrow core is a major obstacle

“Antwerp swears by an excellent organization and last season always managed to strike at the right time,” De Coninck tries to compare both teams. “Ghent is dependent on Kums, but Cuypers and Orban are also particularly important. Antwerp only conceded four goals, which is the least of all the first division teams. Then you know that it will not be an open day for AA Gent in Antwerp.”

In any case, De Coninck is looking forward to this match between two former employers: “Hong’s absence should actually not be underestimated. That kid works so hard, both defensively and offensively. Moreover, he is also often important offensively. Hong actually plays football in the image of his personality. I think you only realize how important he is when he’s not there. For me that is a downside: you cannot fight on three fronts if your core is so narrow. Then I think you will be just a little short in April and May. It’s a shame that Orban also took red, Ghent could do without that like a toothache.”

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