Anderlecht is aiming for a higher standard on and off the pitch under coach Vitor Bruno to raise the team's level. Striker Danylo Sikan has detailed the new, strict regime designed to build greater dominance and better results.
The Ukrainian forward describes the coach as a 'military man' who enforces iron discipline. "Military man", he laughs. "There is an iron discipline." This discipline manifests in everything, from a ban on phone use during lunch to the demand that players sprint back seventy metres to defend. Collective defensive work is a cornerstone of Bruno's philosophy.
Anderlecht, currently seventh in the Jupiler Pro League with ten points from six games, wants to climb the standings. The team faces Zulte Waregem at home on Saturday, a direct rival sitting in fifth place. Recent form has been mixed with three wins, one draw and one defeat in the last five league matches.
Sikan is convinced this squad has more potential than last season's group. "I am convinced that this team is stronger than last year", he concludes. He sees qualification for the Europa League League Phase as an extra boost for the domestic campaign as well. Based on his experience at Shakhtar Donetsk, he knows matches after European fixtures are particularly taxing, underlining the need for discipline and squad depth.
The coach demands his team takes the initiative and never retreats under pressure. The aim is to constantly press the opponent through intensity and attacking football. The coming weeks, with a mix of European and league fixtures, provide the first real test for this new regime. The full squad and injury list will be key to maintaining the intensity, with Lucas Hey currently sidelined.
The next step is the home match against Zulte Waregem on 19 September, a game that will offer immediate insight into the progress under the new approach. A victory would bring Anderlecht closer to the top five.
This story first appeared at Voetbalkrant.com
