“We Are a Complete Team” – Dender Gears Up for Clash with Standard Liege

Belgium’s surprise package, Dender EH, are preparing for a crucial Jupiler Pro League match against Standard Liège, aiming to secure their fourth win of the season and maintain their position at the top of the table.

Dender is top of the Belgian table after six games and is looking to upset the big boys after their promotion last season.

Fabio Ferraro, Dender’s midfielder, emphasised the team’s unity and morale. Speaking to Belgian outlet Sporza, he claimed the mood in the camp was good. “As a team we are very close. We have a complete team and thanks to the positive results we are also in a good mood. This match is a big challenge for us.”

This confidence comes as Dender enjoys an impressive start, having earned 11 points from their first six games, leading the Pro League. The upcoming match will be a test for the newly promoted side, as they face Standard Liège, a club that has historically been a dominant force in Belgian football. Despite Standard’s recent struggles, their defence has been formidable, conceding just three goals so far.

However, Dender coach Vincent Euvrard remains optimistic. He acknowledged Standard’s defensive strengths but highlighted the improvements made to their attack with the arrivals of Dennis Eckert Ayensa and Andi Zeqiri. Euvrard stated, “”Standard has shown itself to be very strong defensively so far, offensively it went less smoothly, but that was solved last week – with the recruitment of 2 experienced attackers”, says Dender coach Vincent Euvrard.

“It’s not going to be an easy match, but we know our qualities and are going to use them. We have already scored 12 times and are going to try to put the strong Standard defence under pressure. We remain true to our strategy and are also going all out for the 3 points against Standard.”

Dender’s rise to the top of Belgian football has been remarkable, especially considering their recent promotion from the Challenger Pro League. With an unbeaten home record and solid performances, they are determined to continue their excellent form and stay ahead in the league.

However, Hein Vanhaezebrouck, former coach of K.R.C. Harelbeke, offered a word of caution. “When I was with Harelbeke, we were newcomers and led the league for seven matches, with 16 points out of 21, but we barely held on. In the next 11 matches, we only took 3 points out of 33.”

It’s a clear warning for Dender. “They need to take every opportunity they can now,” says Vanhaezebrouck.

Site Opinion: Significant Test

Dender’s seamless transition from the Challenger Pro League to the top tier has been outstanding. Their attacking prowess, with 12 goals in six games, shows a team that is confident and capable of breaking down defences. However, their clash with Standard Liège represents a significant test, particularly given Standard’s strong defensive structure and recent attacking reinforcements.

Coach Vincent Euvrard’s confidence in the team’s ability to challenge a formidable opponent speaks volumes about Dender’s ambition. If Dender can secure a win against Standard, it would send a clear message that they are more than just early-season overachievers—they are legitimate contenders in the Pro League.