KV Mechelen coach Vanderbiest enjoys Christmas market before match against Cercle Brugge. The coach of KV Mechelen, Vanderbiest, visited the Willebroek Christmas market on Friday evening.

What happened at the Christmas market?

Vanderbiest said he could enjoy the Christmas atmosphere because his team plays against a Cercle Brugge that has had better seasons. The team of Onur Cinel remains behind with one point in the last five games.

How does the competition look for KV Mechelen?

KV Mechelen currently stands with 27 points in a comfortable fifth place in the competition. Our current standing is: | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 6th in League, 29 pts, 13W-12D-15L from 40 games | | Recent form | LDDLW | | Last result | St. Truiden 3-0 KV Mechelen (2026-05-24) |

What are the coach's expectations for the game?

Vanderbiest analyzes that Cercle Brugge finds the goal difficult, but he does not want his team to become too confident. He wants his team to reach the level of the previous match and simply win.

Can the coach let his players go to the Christmas market?

Vanderbiest says his players can also visit markets the evening before matchday, as long as they perform. He wants to point out that he does not drink alcohol and some players go to a restaurant on Friday evening.