For Haasrode Leuven, the clash with Maaseik on Saturday evening is not just another top match: it is the ultimate test for their place in the top four, a position that grants access to the BeNe Conference.

Although Waremme could still serve as a lifeline on the final matchday, the duel with the Limburg side is crucial for coach Hendrik Tuerlinckx’s team — and Simon Peeters knows it. The loyal VHL captain, now in his eleventh season in the league and a former Maaseik player, approaches the match with confidence but stresses the need to play boldly.

The focus is clear: Maaseik must know that Haasrode Leuven is ready. With that mindset, the team finally completed a normal training week — a welcome breather after a hectic period filled with midweek and Champions League matches. After a businesslike 3-0 win against Guibertin and, a few days earlier, perhaps their best Champions League set in the Italian atmosphere of Lube Civitanova, they can now fully concentrate on the real work in the domestic league, where they are still fighting for a top-four spot and a place in the BeNe Conference. One thing is certain: against Maaseik, it will be a mental and physical battle, and the VHL captain knows that better than anyone.

The past weeks in the Champions League have been tough for VHL. How did you experience them?
Simon Peeters: “Yes, it was definitely a demanding period. Playing a European match every midweek doesn’t help us, especially when you also have to give everything in the league during the weekends. The intensity was high, and you could feel the energy draining at times. But fortunately, after Guibertin, we were able to train well again and prepare properly. Now all our focus and energy is on Maaseik. That’s what matters — we’re not looking any further.”

Really? You haven’t started calculating yet? Your chairman, Luc Vanaverbeke, told me two weeks ago that three points against both Guibertin and Waremme would guarantee the BeNe Conference.
“Maybe so, but I’m not someone who calculates. What I do know is that everything is still in our own hands and that we don’t need to look at other teams. In any case, Saturday is a must-win for us. Maaseik is a top team — everyone knows that — better than in recent seasons. But if we want to keep fighting for the top four, we need a result now. It’s good to know that we already beat them 3-2 at home in November, even if it was by the narrowest margin. That gives confidence, but it won’t be easy. They have a team with a lot of experience and quality — otherwise you don’t beat Roeselare three times (once in the league, twice in the cup), even if they did lose last weekend in the Reo Arena.”

You speak confidently about that win, even though it was in November. Since then, results have been up and down, although you do win the matches you absolutely must win. What needs to be different on Saturday compared to Guibertin?
“The most important thing will be to play with courage, like we did in the Champions League and at home against Roeselare, even though we lost those matches. Our reception line needs to be sharp, because Maaseik has one of the strongest serving lines in the league, with players like Sil Meijs and Pierre Perin. It will also be crucial not to lose pace in long rallies. We must stick to our own game and bring stability in our side-out, because that was missing against Guibertin.”

A positive sign: your serving pressure — your biggest weakness this season — was much better against Guibertin.
“We work very hard on that. It’s really mental, because in training we hit aces all the time, but in matches it doesn’t always work. Gildas Prévert, our French middle blocker, is a good example. He has an incredible serve and shows it every day in training, but his efficiency is currently lower than at the start of the season. Sometimes one ace can change a match and get a player going. Sometimes it gets stuck in your head and you start forcing things. We need more balance, but we’re definitely on the right track. Maybe that’s the result of our Champions League experience.”

What do you mean?
“I think we’ve become stronger in reception and on high balls. That’s not surprising — you’re playing against world-class players. Balls that are guaranteed points in training or in the Belgian league are blocked or punished immediately in the Champions League. You learn a lot from those situations.”

After Maaseik, you still face Warszawa at home and then Montpellier at the Sportoase. What is the goal for these last two Champions League matches?
“Our goal is clear: we want to win at least one set. We know we can’t just beat teams of that level, but we want the matches to be competitive. Not only for us, but also for our fans and volunteers who support us with so much passion. We have to give everything and take our chances in every set. Winning a set against these top teams would be a good result and would boost the atmosphere in the arena. We want our supporters to see that we keep fighting, even against such strong opponents.”

The four 3-0 defeats have drawn criticism. Dominique Baeyens said you might be too easily satisfied with simply participating. What’s your reaction?
“I understand where that criticism comes from, but I want to emphasise that we don’t want to create frustration in those matches. In the Champions League, we play against world-class teams, and that’s a huge opportunity to learn and grow. We stay calm and focus on the next point, no matter the situation. Some people may see that as resignation, but for us it’s about not getting lost in emotion. We have to keep the bigger picture in mind and continue developing. I can assure you that we’re not satisfied with just being there. I actually think it’s good that we’re not pessimistic and that we keep fighting, even when it’s tough.”

Does that kind of criticism motivate the locker room?
“No, because as a group we know exactly where we stand and what still needs to be done. We work hard on our project, and maybe some people still think we’re just a group of friends playing volleyball, but that’s definitely no longer the case. We’re much more serious now, and you can see that in how we train and play.”

Maaseik will be the moment to show that again. You can also take revenge for the cup elimination. Who will feel the most pressure?
“Playing in the Steengoed Arena is always a challenge, but I think we can use that pressure. As you say, we go there as underdogs, and that can be an advantage. But we want to show that we can reach the level of the top teams. We’ve already lost twice to Roeselare and Menen this season, so against Maaseik we need to make a statement.”

How do you prepare for such a match as captain and former Maaseik player?

“It’s always special to play against Maaseik, but I don’t do anything differently. I’m there to lead my team in the way that works best for this group. We need to be mentally strong and give everything. I’ll be satisfied if we can say afterwards that we have no regrets.”

Text: KH
Photo: Lotto Volley League