Ivan Leko’s Standard Liege tenure got off to a disappointing start last weekend. In front of the home faithful, the side lost 1-0 to bottom of the table Kortrijk. If concerns about being embroiled in a relegation scrap were not on everyone’s minds before that match, they certainly will be now.
After 21 games, the side sit in 10th place, three spaces above the relegation play-offs. However, they are just two points ahead of RWDM in 13th place. They are also on a dreadful run of form. Since beating Genk 1-0 at the end of November, they have gone seven games without a win in league and cup. Kortrijk at home should have been the perfect way to get the Leko era going, and get the club back on track to finish comfortably in play-off two.
However, with tough games against Cercle Brugge and Antwerp to come, Standard are in danger of being in the mix at the bottom. Their first three games in February will be crucial in deciding their fate. On the 3rd they travel to Brussels to face RWDM, before a home clash with OH Leuven and another trip away to Westerlo. All three of those sides are struggling at the bottom, meaning Standard can create some breathing space by picking up all three points. Wins in all those games will all but guarantee survival, which is the bare minimum that can be expected by the clubs fans.
However, even if they survive, it is another wasted season for a club the size of Standard Liege. This summer is crucial in getting recruitment right and hoping that Leko is the right man to make them competitive again.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
