Besnik Hasi Explains Why Cédric Hattenboer and Mihajlo Cvetkovic Are Excluded from Anderlecht Squad

Anderlecht Newcomers Still Developing, Not Yet Ready for First Team

Brussels, Belgium – August 19, 2025 – anderlecht sporting has invested significantly in new talent this summer, acquiring Cédric Hatenboer and mihajlo Cvetkovic for a combined sum exceeding 5 million euros. Though, both players are presently honing their skills with the RSCA Futures team, indicating they are not yet prepared for immediate action in the Jupiler Pro League.

Transfer Activity and Initial Expectations

Anderlecht moved swiftly in the transfer window, securing Hatenboer who concluded his prior season on loan at Excelsior Rotterdam.Cvetkovic, a Serbian forward, arrived with high expectations and was promptly assigned the coveted number 9 jersey. Despite the initial enthusiasm, both players have yet to fully demonstrate their capabilities at the Lotto Park stadium.

Recent Performances with RSCA Futures

Last weekend offered a glimpse of progress as cvetkovic featured prominently for the RSCA Futures,scoring in a recent match.Hatenboer also started in the same fixture, signalling positive steps for both investments. This advancement is especially crucial given the substantial financial commitment made by the club.

Coach Hasi’s Assessment

According to insights from Het Nieuwsblad,coach Besnik hasi has outlined the specific areas where Cvetkovic and Hatenboer require further development. While Hasi recognizes Cvetkovic’s inherent goal-scoring ability, he believes the player needs to refine other facets of his game before challenging for a first-team spot. Hatenboer, having recently recovered from a concussion sustained during pre-season planning is still building match fitness and needs to further adapt to the demands of the Belgian top flight.

A Shift in Recruitment Strategy

The recruitment approach of current sporting Director Olivier Renard diverges from that of his predecessor, jesper Fredberg. Fredberg prioritized acquiring players ready for immediate impact, while Renard appears focused on developing talent with long-term potential, players who could appreciate in value before being sold on. This strategy is the context within which the signings of Hatenboer and Cvetkovic should be viewed, suggesting a willingness to prioritize future growth over immediate results.

Did You No?

The RSCA Futures team serves as Anderlecht’s reserve side, providing a crucial pathway for young and developing players to gain competitive experience.

Pro Tip: Investing in youth and development can yield long-term benefits for a club, even if it means sacrificing immediate gains.

Player	Position	Acquisition Date	Estimated Cost	Current Team
Cédric Hatenboer	Defender	Summer 2025	€2.5 Million (est.)	RSCA Futures
Mihajlo Cvetkovic	Forward	Summer 2025	€2.5 Million (est.)	RSCA Futures

The Importance of Player Development in Modern Football

The meticulous process of player development has become increasingly vital in modern football. Clubs are now recognizing the value of nurturing young talent and providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to reach their full potential. A well-structured youth academy and a strategic approach to player recruitment are essential for sustained success. UEFA’s investment in youth development highlights the continent-wide emphasis on this approach.

Furthermore, the effective integration of new signings into a team’s system and culture is paramount. Patience and a supportive surroundings are often crucial for players to adapt and flourish in a new league.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the current status of Cédric Hatenboer’s development? Hatenboer is currently focused on building his match fitness and adapting to the intensity of belgian football with the RSCA Futures team.
• Why hasn’t Mihajlo Cvetkovic been featured in the first team? Coach Hasi believes Cvetkovic needs to refine aspects of his game beyond goal-scoring before challenging for a starting position.
• What is Anderlecht’s long-term strategy with these signings? Anderlecht aims to develop these players over time, perhaps increasing their value before future transfer opportunities.
• How does the current recruitment strategy differ from the past? The current strategy prioritizes long-term potential and development, while previous approaches focused on ready-made players.
• Is a concussion impacting Hatenboer’s readiness? While he recovered from the concussion, the coach believes Hatenboer still need advancement in the championship.

What are your thoughts on Anderlecht’s patient approach with these new signings? Do you believe this strategy will pay off in the long run?

Share this article and comment below to join the conversation!

What specific defensive attributes are lacking in Hattenboer and Cvetkovic that led to their exclusion from the first team?

Besnik Hasi, the current interim coach of RSC Anderlecht, recently addressed the media regarding the surprising omission of defenders Cédric Hattenboer and Mihajlo Cvetkovic from the first-team squad for the upcoming Belgian Pro League season. The decision has sparked considerable debate amongst Anderlecht fans and football analysts alike, prompting Hasi to provide a detailed description. This article breaks down the reasoning behind the exclusions, focusing on tactical considerations, player performance, and the club’s long-term vision. We’ll cover the Anderlecht squad, player exclusions, and Besnik Hasi’s strategy.

Tactical shift and Squad Reconfiguration

Hasi’s explanation centers around a shift in tactical approach. He’s moving away from the previous system, which heavily relied on the specific skillsets of Hattenboer and Cvetkovic, towards a more dynamic and fluid defensive structure.

Emphasis on Versatility: The new system prioritizes defenders capable of playing multiple positions. Hasi stated he needs players who can seamlessly transition between center-back and full-back roles.

High Defensive Line: The planned implementation of a higher defensive line requires pace and recovery speed, areas where Hasi believes other defenders in the squad currently have an edge.

Pressing Intensity: A key component of the new strategy is a more aggressive pressing game. This demands defenders comfortable stepping out of the defensive line to win back possession, a trait not consistently demonstrated by either Hattenboer or Cvetkovic in recent training sessions.

This tactical overhaul is a meaningful factor in the Anderlecht team news and impacts the Belgian Pro League standings indirectly through squad performance.

Performance Concerns and Individual Assessments

Beyond the tactical shift, Hasi also pointed to individual performance levels as a contributing factor. While acknowledging the players’ professionalism, he indicated they haven’t consistently met the required standards during pre-season training and friendly matches.

Cédric Hattenboer: Hasi noted concerns regarding Hattenboer’s consistency in aerial duels and his decision-making under pressure. While a capable defender, his performance hasn’t reached the level needed to secure a starting position in the new system. Reports suggest Cédric Hattenboer transfer rumors may surface as a result.

mihajlo Cvetkovic: Cvetkovic’s exclusion is linked to a perceived lack of pace and agility, hindering his ability to effectively track quick wingers. Hasi also highlighted areas for improvement in Cvetkovic’s passing range and accuracy. Mihajlo Cvetkovic Anderlecht future is now uncertain.

Competition for Places: The arrival of new defensive signings has intensified competition for places, further complicating matters for both players. The increased depth in the Anderlecht defense has given Hasi more options.

The Role of New Signings and Squad Depth

Anderlecht’s recent transfer activity has undeniably influenced Hasi’s decisions. The club has invested in several new defenders who appear to fit the coach’s vision more closely.

Louis Patris: The signing of Louis Patris provides Hasi with a versatile option capable of playing both center-back and right-back.

Killian Sardella: Sardella’s arrival adds further depth to the central defense and offers a different profile of defender – one known for his composure and passing ability.

Strengthening the Backline: These additions have created a more competitive environment within the squad, forcing hasi to make difficult choices. The Anderlecht transfer news surrounding these signings was positive, indicating a clear strategy.

Potential Future for Hattenboer and Cvetkovic

Hasi didn’t rule out a potential return for either player in the future, but emphasized they need to demonstrate significant improvement in training.

Training Ground Focus: Both Hattenboer and Cvetkovic have been encouraged to work on their weaknesses and compete for a place in the squad.

Possible Loan options: The possibility of loan spells has been discussed, allowing them to gain regular playing time and develop their game.

Youth Team Integration: Integrating them with the youth team to maintain match fitness and contribute to their development is also being considered. This is a common strategy for Anderlecht youth academy players and could benefit the excluded defenders.

Besnik Hasi’s Coaching Philosophy and Anderlecht’s ambitions

This situation provides insight into Besnik Hasi’s coaching philosophy. He clearly values tactical flexibility, high intensity, and a proactive approach to defending.

Demanding Standards: Hasi is known for setting high standards and demanding commitment from his players.

Long-Term Vision: His decisions appear to be guided by a long-term vision for the club, prioritizing players who fit his system and can contribute to sustained success.