Paintsil: “Are prepared for the atmosphere”, 1,000 Genk fans to Budapest for a crucial match | Belgian clubs in Europe

No fewer than 1,000 supporters will cross to Hungary tomorrow and that is something Wouter Vrancken can only applaud. “Their support will be very important,” said the Genk T1. “When you play in front of a full stadium, you definitely feel it. It gives you that few percent more. The players will be motivated to get a result for them.”

Ferencváros was more defensive than expected in the first leg in Genk (0-0) two weeks ago. It is expected that things will be different in Budapest. “I think they will play with more intensity at home. We’ll have to deal with that. If we can curb the enthusiasm, we can get the three points. It will be easy, but we believe in our qualities.”

On Saturday, Genk lost at the Bosuil against Antwerp (3-2), but receiving a penalty just before half-time left a lasting impression. The Referee Department admitted on Monday that the Limburgers had deserved a penalty for the foul on Heynen. “Well, we won’t get a goal for it anymore,” Vrancken sighed. “Mark van Bommel said after the match that it was a penalty. The Referee Department now too. So it seems clear to me.” (BFA)

For Joseph Paintsil, the match against Ferencváros is a bit of a homecoming. “I’m happy to be here,” said the Ghanaian striker of RC Genk. “I have good memories of my time here. Football always brings you back to such things and that is nice. I know the atmosphere will be strong, but I don’t expect my teammates to be impressed. They are ready. We need to focus on what needs to be done on the field and not in the stands.”

In the first match, Paintsil was even booed by the away section. “I don’t know what the reason was for that,” he said. “I don’t know what I did wrong. Oh well, fans remain fans. I don’t know what kind of reception awaits me in the future, but I’m at peace with it.” and will accept it. I’m going to do what I have to do,” said Paintsil. (BFA)

Racing Genk will immediately fly via Liège to Budapest, where tomorrow will be the important match against Ferencváros. The Limburgers are supported there by almost 1,000 traveling supporters. “A number we are proud of, because it is not an easy trip,” says general manager Erik Gerits. “We hope that safety will be guaranteed, because we all saw what happened in Porto. Of course we want to avoid that. The supporters all receive a voucher with which they can take the bus from the fan point to the stadium.”

The feeling is good at Genk. “We have good memories of Budapest, because we previously beat Videoton there and thus secured a European wintering.”

The suspended Tolu Arokodare travels with the group of players, unlike Peter Croonen. The club chairman must be absent for professional reasons. (BFA)