Despite angry supporters, Anderlecht's coach does not fear for his job

The beginning of the season has left Anderlecht fans frustrated and disillusioned, with growing dissatisfaction toward both the team's performance and the management.

After a promising start, two consecutive draws followed by a 0-2 defeat to league leaders Genk on Tuesday evening have pushed supporters to their breaking point. The result sparked a chorus of boos from the crowd, with fans chanting "Riemer out," calling for the dismissal of the Danish coach. For many, this latest loss marked a culmination of their disappointment, as they witnessed a performance that, in their view, failed to meet the club's high standards.

Despite the vocal criticism, Anderlecht goalkeeper Colin Coosemans expressed his confusion over the extreme fan reaction. "I understand they have ambitions, and we do too," Coosemans stated. "But this is only our first defeat." His comments point to a disconnect between the expectations of the supporters and the reality on the pitch. While fans are impatient for immediate results, the players and coaching staff appear to take a more long-term view of their progress, focusing on the bigger picture rather than single matches.

Coach Brian Riemer, feeling the pressure but remaining composed, also addressed the situation with a broader perspective. He reminded fans and the media that Anderlecht's position was far worse when he first arrived at the club. "When I arrived here, Anderlecht was in fourteenth place, and there were fires everywhere within the club," Riemer explained, emphasizing the chaotic state of affairs he inherited. Last season saw a significant improvement, with Anderlecht finishing third and re-establishing themselves as a competitive force in Belgian football. Riemer’s leadership during that period earned him credibility, but it seems that goodwill is beginning to erode as fans grow impatient for further progress.

"Yes, things need to improve," Riemer admitted, acknowledging that Anderlecht's performances have not been flawless. However, he was quick to highlight the positives, noting that "in the last two years, we’ve done a lot of good things, and that’s where I focus my attention." His comments reflect his belief in the long-term project at Anderlecht and his confidence that the team will continue to grow despite current setbacks. Riemer’s measured response suggests that he sees this period as a temporary dip, not a crisis.

For many supporters, however, the desire for immediate success overshadows any patience they may have for long-term development. Olivier Deschacht, a former Anderlecht defender and club icon, offered his perspective on the rising tension. Speaking to Sporza, Deschacht explained that the fans’ frustration is not just about results, but also the style of play. "Anderlecht has wanted to compete for trophies again for a long time, and the fans also want to see good football," Deschacht said. He referred to last season’s campaign, where Anderlecht competed until late in the season, only to suffer a crushing blow in a match against Club Brugge. "I think that sits deeply with the fans, especially the way it happened," he added, implying that the emotional scars from that defeat have not healed.

Deschacht went on to elaborate on why the fans are so critical, despite the team's relatively stable position in the league. While Anderlecht may not be performing disastrously, the style of football being played has left much to be desired. "Even though the club’s performances don’t seem that bad, people in Belgium find the football unwatchable," Deschacht remarked. "Last season, it was also poor, but they still won." The issue, according to Deschacht, is that Anderlecht has been playing conservatively and has failed to assert themselves as a dominant force on the field. "There’s no sign of any improvement in that regard," he added, pointing out that fans want to see the team take control of games and play attractive football, something that has been lacking under Riemer’s leadership.

As it stands, Anderlecht are currently in fourth place in the Belgian Pro League, four points behind leaders Genk after seven matches. While this may not be a disastrous position, it falls short of the high expectations of a club that has historically been a powerhouse in Belgian football. With players like Jan Vertonghen, Zanka, Kasper Dolberg, and Thorgan Hazard in the squad, the potential for success is evident, but the team’s performances have yet to fully reflect that talent.

The structure of the Belgian league provides a unique opportunity for teams to fight for the title even if they have a slow start. After 30 regular season matches, the top six teams qualify for the playoffs, where points are halved, and each team plays each other twice to determine the champion. This format means that Anderlecht still have plenty of time to close the gap and mount a serious title challenge, but the fans’ patience is wearing thin. They are not content with merely making the playoffs they want to see Anderlecht dominate from the start and challenge for silverware with style.

Riemer’s future at the club may ultimately depend on how the team performs in the coming weeks. While he has expressed confidence in his project, the pressure from fans and the media is mounting. If Anderlecht cannot find both results and an improved style of play soon, the calls for his dismissal may grow louder, forcing the club’s management to make a difficult decision. For now, Riemer remains focused on the task at hand, but he will need to deliver improvements quickly to satisfy the demands of Anderlecht’s passionate fanbase.