Brian Rimmer on the multi-million dollar deal from Club Brugge: “I was surprised by Thiago’s move to Brentford” | Jupiler Professional League

'European ticket' Brian Rimmer has adjusted Anderlecht's ambitions now that they have won match No. 1 – save for one point. Only the top three will be guaranteed a European ticket at the end of the day, with the fourth-place finisher competing against the winner of the European qualifiers.

First stop in Bruges. Between 2018 and 2022, Brian Rimmer was assistant coach at Brentford, Igor Thiago's new club, for four years. The Dane was surprised by the Club Brugge striker's transfer to his former club for 37 million. “No, they didn’t call me,” Rimmer laughed. “I certainly didn't see this coming. Brentford have an extensive, data-driven scouting staff, and they won't end up signing Thiago by chance. Expectations will be high, with Thiago having to replace Ivan Toney. Great striker.” Remer could tell Thiago that next week, when Club Brugge and Anderlecht are on the programme. They visit STVV on Sunday, and Anderlecht need just one point to officially guarantee their place in the Champions League qualifiers. For the first time, Rimmer also spoke more emphatically about Anderlecht's ambitions. He added: “We want to get a European ticket at the end of the season, and this is the ambition with which we will start the qualifiers.” The top three from the Champions Qualifiers can in any case count on a European ticket, and the No. 4 will compete in a single match against the winner of the European Qualifiers. The No. 4 in the Champions League qualifiers has home advantage.

Against Sint-Truiden, Remer can call on Kilian Sardella and Ludwig Augustinsson again, both of whom are recovering from their muscle injuries. “They were able to fully train again,” Reimer said. “Now I just have to decide whether to let them start or not.” In this case, Patrese and Arnstad will move to the bench again. The match against STVV comes too soon for Thomas Delaney. “Delaney will resume group training from Monday. If all goes well, he will be part of the squad again next weekend against Club Brugge. The goal from the beginning was for everyone to be ready again for the play-offs, and it looks like we will succeed. All Something is also developing positively for Francis Amuzu (made for pubalgia, ed.). There is an international break just before the play-offs, and the aim is for him to be able to celebrate his return during a friendly match. (KDS)