Analyst Patrick Goots has warned of a 'ticking time bomb' in the KV Mechelen dressing room. The frustration of forward Benito Raman, who again started on the bench and was given only fifteen minutes against Anderlecht, threatens to further destabilise the club's already precarious situation.
Goots insists the tension between player and club must be resolved. "I think Vanderbiest and Raman should sit down with the board to smooth things over," he said. The analyst pointed to the player's growing discontent: "Raman was not allowed to start again and that gnaws at him, especially when you bring some energy with your substitute appearance."
The warning comes at a critical time for KV Mechelen. The club sits in a worrying sixteenth place in the Jupiler Pro League after six matchdays, with just two points. Their recent form of one win, two draws and two defeats in the last five games is slightly better than the season's start, but the relegation battle is already in full swing. Only OH Leuven and KV Kortrijk are below them in the standings.
The next task, a home match against third-placed Club Brugge on November 21st, promises to be another tough one. The full schedule can be found on the fixtures page. Coach Vanderbiest's team has scored five times and conceded fourteen this campaign, a goal difference of minus nine.
With players like Keano Vanrafelghem, Leo Fuhr Hjelde and Tijn Van Ingelgom currently sidelined, the squad is thin. The return of top scorer M. Van Brederode, who has three goals in six appearances, is essential. The current squad list shows the available players.
The coming weeks are decisive for survival. According to Goots, resolving the internal unrest is a prerequisite for breaking the downward spiral.
The original report is at VoetbalNieuws.be
