Anderlecht’s young squad had extremely difficult season that nobody would want to look back to. Starting the campaign with 4 consecutive wins fooled some that, despite their very young group of players, Anderlecht would be challenging, but quickly the mood changed.
Series of injuries to key players, problems with the fans and the Federation (club under investigation for tax evasion and offices were raided twice during season) only helped for the results to deteriorate in the autumn and come mid-December coach Vanhaezebrouck was sacked.
During the winter break controversial Dutchman Rutten was appointed in charge, but he wasn’t given money to strengthen the squad. With top goalscorer Dimata sidelined from early February onwards and best inner midfielder Trebel missing most of season due to various injuries Anderlecht were forced to use many 16 and 17-year-olds in different games.
In the end 4 wins and 2 draws in last 6 rounds of regular season and mistakes from others saw Anderlecht sneak in Play-off I, but Rutten’s reign ended just 4 games later after 4 defeats in 4.
The last few games were under interim coach Belhocine and he couldn’t save anything, with Anderlecht finishing last in Play-off I and for the first time in more than a decade missing out on Europe.
Kums was the one standing out player throughout the entire campaign, with pretty much everyone else disappointing or getting injured at some stage.
Angry response can be expected, with the recently announced signing of Man City’s captain Vincent Kompany on three-year deal showing that Anderlecht mean business and are preparing to mount title-challenge.
