KV Mechelen head coach Fred Vanderbiest has downplayed the pressure surrounding his team ahead of RSC Anderlecht's visit, despite a poor start to the season with just two points from five matches. The manager bit back in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, demanding a reaction from his players in what he calls a special Friday fixture.
Fred Vanderbiest responded lightly to questions about the pressure on him and his squad. "Do I feel pressure? Only when I can't go to the toilet," the Mechelen boss told Het Nieuwsblad. His focus is entirely on preparing his team for Anderlecht's arrival, a match for which he will be on the bench this Friday and the following week. He stressed that the internal atmosphere at the club has never been better, a point he made after holding a meeting with the supporters' federation.
The bad start isn't the only problem. The departure of cultural guardians like Mrabti and Konaté has left a void, and the injury list is growing. Striker Adeshina Ayodele is out for approximately eight months with a cruciate ligament injury, while Kiki Vanrafelghem is unavailable for around ten weeks with a torn ankle ligament. Club leadership acknowledges that some players are underperforming, underlining the need for a turnaround. Despite all this, Vanderbiest remains confident of full home support against Anderlecht.
For Anderlecht, this is a chance for revenge. The last meeting, on 15 March 2026, ended in a 1-0 defeat at KV Mechelen. The Brussels club currently sits 11th in the Jupiler Pro League with 7 points from 5 games, a position that leaves room for improvement. Brian Riemer's team has inconsistent recent form (DWLLW) and has scored 3 goals while conceding 5. The full standings show Anderlecht trails leaders Gent by eight points. A win in Mechelen is therefore important for the table.
Vanderbiest does not expect champagne football, but primarily a fierce reaction from his squad. He believes his team can achieve more against Anderlecht than usual. "It's a special match and if we win it, you'll all be clapping very differently," the coach predicted. For Anderlecht, the focus will be on converting chances, something that has been difficult this season with only three goals scored. The upcoming fixtures after this match will reveal if this can be a turning point. The game against 15th-placed Mechelen kicks off on Friday, 11 September 2026.
