1703865997
After a 1-1 draw against Sint-Truiden, Standard ended the calendar year with a meager three out of fifteen games. Liège is understandably not happy with this situation and the board is planning a thorough assessment in the coming days. However, it is expected that Carl Hoefkens will have the opportunity to correct the situation after the winter break.
Things haven’t been quiet at the end of the year for Carl Hoefkens for some time. Exactly a year ago, the Antwerp native was released by Club Bruges after a 1-1 draw against OH Leuven. Once again a 1-1 draw, this time against Sint-Truiden, increases the pressure on Hoefkens. In Liège, fans, management and coaches are concerned about the poorer results – Standard failed to win a single game in December – and the poorer quality of play. The Rouches board is therefore planning discussions to assess the situation in the coming days. According to the first signals from Liège, Hoefkens does not seem to have to worry about his future immediately.
Zinho Vanheusden expressed his support for Hoefkens after the point loss against Sint-Truiden. “This is not a coaching problem,” said the Standard captain. “Everyone needs to look in the mirror, we need to do more. The Mercato is coming, it serves to help the team.” Hoefkens himself also pointed out the upcoming transfer period on Wednesday evening. “More quality is needed. That’s why I’m very happy that the transfer ban has been lifted. That is very positive. We have a lot of young talent, but we need to surround them with experienced players who can add maturity and bring something special.”
What is possible this winter?
This summer, sporting director Fergal Harkin, who himself pushed for Hoefkens’ arrival, had to wait a long time before he could make his move due to limited resources. It wasn’t until the final week of the Mercato that much-needed reinforcement arrived with the arrival of guys like Djenepo, Alzate, Kanga and Sowah, meaning Standard started the competition at half strength and a meager three from eighteen. Things improved after that – wins against Anderlecht (3:2) and Club Brugge (2:1) are already highlights – but in recent weeks Standard has once again found it more difficult to reach the expected level. Given the temporary transfer ban for the Rouches, it is highly questionable whether the Rouches will have the financial leeway for the injection of quality Hoefkens demands this winter.
#Crisis #Standard #Carl #Hoefkens #retains #trust #board #time