“It’s a great club, if it couldn’t handle the pressure it wouldn’t be FC Porto”

Anderlecht coach David Hubert downplays the Dragons’ poor results

David Hubert, coach of Anderlecht , this Wednesday minimized the negative series of FC Porto , which before the duel in the 5th round of the Europa League with the Belgians recorded three defeats in a row, the last one costing them elimination from the Portuguese Cup .

“FC Porto are a great club,” explained the 36-year-old coach, assuring that they are an opponent capable of dealing with adversity: “If they couldn’t handle that pressure, they wouldn’t be Porto. I expect a very anxious opponent with a lot of offensive violence. However, we have a game plan to neutralize their strong attack.”

Regarding plans for the attack, the Belgian coach was asked whether Kasper Dolberg, who is outstanding with 14 goals in 21 games, would be a bet or whether he would be spared: “I have to take into account everyone who is in form. Kasper is in a very good phase and we have to manage it in the best possible way. Sometimes this can also be done by replacing someone earlier. Players are not always happy with this…»

For the Dragons’ reception, David Hubert is not counting on names like Sardella and Augustinsson: «Sardella’s absence is a shame, of course, because he played at a good level. But I focus on the players I have at my disposal. Thomas Foket has experience and his adaptation period has passed. Yes, he had games where he did less well, but he also had very good moments. And that’s where you have to base yourself.”

Diawara’s return to training was also a topic, despite the low probability of being used. «Diawara has a contract with Anderlecht. He’s back to work and for me he’s selectable if I deem it necessary. Of course we won’t give out gifts. You have to prove what you can do in training. So, for me, he is on the same level as the other players,” he said.