Knack Roeselare’s victory in the Champions League against a Turkish opponent was not the only remarkable achievement for Belgian volleyball last week. In the Volleyball Cup (European Cup II) and the Volleyball Challenge Cup (European Cup III), Belgian teams Greenyard Maaseik, Tectum Achel and Lindemans Aalst also returned victorious from their away matches abroad. As a result, they can now qualify for the quarter-finals this week in front of their home crowd.

These are striking results that clearly call for explanation. And who better to turn to than Dominique Baeyens, who has followed European volleyball for many years as a player, coach and analyst?

Dominique Baeyens:
“Of course, we shouldn’t sell the bear’s skin before it’s been shot, because those return matches still have to be won. But at the same time, it clearly shows that our teams have quality. We shouldn’t over-relativise everything or put it all down to luck in the draw. The chances of Belgian teams qualifying are very real, and that would be an impressive and fantastic achievement for Belgian club volleyball.”

Personally, we found Tectum Achel’s victory away at Friedrichshafen in Germany to be an absolute highlight.
Dominique Baeyens:
“I agree completely. That was a very strong result. Friedrichshafen may no longer be the team that dominated the German league a few years ago. They are currently fourth in the Bundesliga, behind Düren, Christophe Achten’s team.
But it is often said that the German and Turkish leagues are stronger than the Belgian league at European level. Last week’s results seem to gradually disprove that assumption.”

On the other hand, Achel beat Maaseik and Aalst in the domestic league, but lost to Waremme and Guibertin, and only narrowly defeated Caruur Ghent last weekend…
“Achel can indeed be difficult to assess at times. They are having a slightly tougher season than last year, when they produced an incredible first half of the campaign and even finished top of the standings. Back then, they played with a ‘nothing to lose, everything to gain’ mentality.
This season, they seem to lack a bit more stability, and expectations may also have risen. Confirming success is always more difficult.
I also think they’ve had to deal with a number of injuries. And let’s not forget that with players like Fransen and Schroeven, they have a relatively young squad that sometimes still lacks experience. But one thing is certain: when everything clicks, this group can make life very difficult for any opponent.”

Even though coach Jan Vanvenckenrays' contract will not be extended?
“Is that related to the ups and downs? I don’t know. That’s an internal matter. He’s been coach there for four years and achieved solid results, but perhaps expectations within the club rise a little more every year.”
Greenyard Maaseik also seems to be returning to its former status as a top team?
“They are playing really well this season. We’ve seen that several times already, including against Knack Roeselare, whom they have beaten three times. Another clash is scheduled for Saturday. If they continue at this level, Turkish side Alanya (currently tenth in Turkey) should not be a problem on Wednesday. This season, Maaseik doesn’t really have to bow to anyone.”

Lindemans Aalst also won away at Tartu in Estonia in European Cup III…
“I don’t know that Estonian team very well, but they have been a regular presence in European volleyball for years. Still, I repeat: it will not be easy for any of our teams to reach the quarter-finals.”
Add to that Knack Roeselare’s strong performances in the Champions League, and Belgian volleyball is clearly doing well.
“Roeselare, yes—but Haasrode Leuven suffered a heavy defeat. And that continues to fascinate me. Last weekend, Roeselare did beat Haasrode, but that team deserved at least one point, because they made things extremely difficult for Knack.
In the Champions League, Roeselare always give the impression that they are playing to win. You can see it in their body language. They obviously have Dermaux in outstanding form and a wealth of experience. They genuinely believe in their own abilities.
I don’t see that same belief with Haasrode Leuven in European competition. Their attitude suggests they are already happy just to be there, and that continues to fascinate me.”

Text: MC
Photo: Belgian Volley League