Anderlecht expert Florent Malice revealed to LAOLA1 before the match that Anderlecht can be a moody side that struggles when put under pressure. This was certainly evident after the break.
When Salzburg confronted the "Mauves et Blancs" with a higher, more aggressive press, the hosts quickly lost their rhythm and suddenly posed almost no threat at all.
"I really liked the reaction," said Röhl. The German saw two completely different halves: "My players did an outstanding job in the second half—how they came back out and executed what we wanted."
They were "on top for 30 minutes, without creating any massive chances. But you could tell Anderlecht could no longer play their game," was the "Bulls" boss's analysis.
What's still missing internationally
Das soll nicht despektierlich klingen, aber es ist schon ein Unterschied, ob du in Anderlecht oder in der Bundesliga gegen eine Mannschaft aus dem unteren Tabellendrittel spielst.
Salzburg only came somewhat close to an equalizer twice: once through a Tabakovic header following a corner, and once through Tim Drexler, whose effort after a free-kick was denied by RSCA goalkeeper Colin Coosemans—or rather, his face. In the end, Marten Winkler converted one of many counter-attacking opportunities to make it 2-0 and seal the win for Anderlecht.
"In the end, you lose the game in the first half," was Tabakovic's verdict. And Röhl added: "To get points in Europe, you need more than just 45 good minutes."
So far, things have been harder in Europe than in domestic competitions mainly because the opponents are simply better. "That's not meant to sound disrespectful, but there is a difference between playing at Anderlecht or against a bottom-third team in the Bundesliga," the German noted.
Now the goal is to reach that level internationally as well, posing the same kind of problems for teams as they have consistently managed at home: "Decision-making in the Europa League has to be faster, and your pressing coordination needs to be even more seamless," Röhl demanded.
Under pressure to win
The 37-year-old also didn't want to leave unmentioned that they were plagued by numerous defensive absences heading into the match: "We had a team on the pitch that hadn't played together much in this combination. Given that, my boys did an outstanding job in the second half."
Röhl doesn't want to over-dramatize their difficult position with just four points from as many league phase matchdays: "Out of four games, we played three away, and our home game was against AC Milan, a true European heavyweight. But that shouldn't be an excuse."
Excuses won't be accepted anymore anyway. The next two rounds feature home games against point-less Ararat Armenia and Sparta Prague. If both matches are won, qualification for the next round is virtually guaranteed. However, even a single draw from these clashes could see the knockout play-offs slip out of reach.
"I'm looking forward to these two home games. We definitely have to get points there, and then we'll see what happens in the new year. With four points, everything is still possible—we're neither out nor through," Röhl concluded in his usual pragmatic manner.
