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RAPHA HOLZHAUSER: "OF COURSE I BELIEVE WE WON'T GO DOWN"

Tenth time lucky? That's the question on Beerschot's mind when we travel to Leuven on Saturday night looking for that so important first victory of the season. As always everyone is looking hopefully at Rapha Holzhauser for goals and assists. But how is Holzie feeling these days? Is he frustrated? Adament Beerschot can still turn this dire situation round? Will we finally bag that first three pointer of this campaign tomorrow? We confronted him with those questions. And got straight answers. 

"Judging from that brilliant series of wins we recorded there over the last couple of seasons the stadium of OHL is our favourite hunting ground by a mile. I still get nice memories when I think of our impressive 1-4 win in the second leg of that Play Off final there just before last season when we clinched promotion to Division 1A. Repeating that sort of performance and getting a similar result on Saturday would be great. Winning is our only option really. However, Leuven are a stronger side than their position in the table suggests. They are a quality outfit but I am sure we can match them in every respect. I am optimistic we can stop the rot there on Saturday."
 

What is your optimism based on?

"The atmosphere in the dressing room and on the training pitch is top notch these days. Thanks to the new coach who suggested to forget about our disappointing start to the season, start from scratch and just focus on the future. On top of that he convinced us to go along with his football philosophy. It was great to notice everyone in the squad seems to have re-found their enthusiasm and desire. That game against OHL must become the starting point of our 'Run to Safety'. It is a pity we will still be without key players like Ryan Sanusi and Joren Dom. That long injury list has been a huge handicap all through the season. From the early days of the preparation towards this campaing actually. It is one of the main reasons for our false start. Together with the former coach's tactical choices that didn't suit our style. And that incredible series of individual mistakes from which we conceded far too many goals. I dare to say - or at least hope - we have turned that corner. It is time to prove the pessimists wrong."

How could it all turn so sour in just a year's time? Twelve months ago we were top of the league; now we are struggling at the bottom of the table, still in search for a first win?

"When we started last season we had a solid squad and immediately found the right rhythm. We won our first three matches in style, had confidence, kept scoring and winning. Everyone in the club was on a high. It was a fabulous experience. We knew that wouldn't go on like that forever, and indeed, when that surprise effect evaporated that was what happened. Then at the start of this season we had to integrate a lot of young, less experienced players. And that took more time than anticipated. We also lacked that bit of luck to win or at least draw a couple of fifty fifty games. And before we knew we were spiralling down towards the bottom of the table."

And there we are now. With just one point out of a possible 27. Doubt and frustration seem to be the key words at Beerschot right now. 

'Yes indeed. I have been bitter, angry and frustrated too in this difficult situation. But I have learned from it. From now on it is all guns full blazing again. Not looking back but looking forward. Our new coach mister Torrente will be playing me in my favourite role, as a number 8 of number 10, giving me a bit of freedom to take the team by hand, regain confidence and hopefully start creating opportunities and score goals again."
 

Our fans have been brilliant throughout the season, supporting the team week after week, defeat after defeat. Remarkable really.

"We have an incredible bunch of supporters. They have been critical at times, which hurt but was understandable in those circumstances. We shared their anger and frustration. But they have remained positive most of the time. Like last Saturday against Eupen, in that game where everything seemed to go wrong, they kept singing, supporting us, motivating us. I really hope we can reward them with stong performances and points as soon as possible. Because that is what they deserve. Just like last season."

Last season you scored 16 goals and contributed with 16 assists. Was that your best personal achievement in your career?

"One of the best, for sure. But I recall that sason with Austria Wien where we played good football, picked up a European ticket and performed strongly in the Europa League, against top teams like AS Roma. That appealed to my imagination even more I must admit."

Will Beerschot be safe at the end of this season, Rapha?

"Oh yes, I am convinced. 'Wir schaffen das'. Together with our fans. We will be playing Division 1A football at the Olympic Stadium next season."

One last question. What do you do in your spare time, away from football?

"Resting and sleeping to recover from training. In between I facetime with my wife, family and friends in Austria, or play a couple of games on my Playstation. And in the evening I go out for a meal with Denis Prychynenko and Tarik Tissoudali who both have become friends for life. I will never forget the way Denis took me under his wings when I arrived at Beerschot. How he introduced me in the club, showed me the way around the city,... Denis and Tarik are great guys. We enjoy eachother's company. I have gone and watched Denis play with Deinze a couple of times already. I hope we will be playing against each other next season."

In Division 1A that is, I might hope.

"Of course. Deinze will clinch promotion. And Beerschot will stay up as I said before."

By Danny Geerts
 

Jupiler Pro League

1 K. Beerschot V.A. 50 pts
2 SK Lommel 48 pts
3 K.M.S.K Deinze 46 pts
4 F.C.V. Dender E.H 45 pts
5 Patro Eisden Maasmechelen 43 pts