After successfully securing qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Paul-José Mpoku has quickly shifted his focus back to club duties as the Jupiler Pro League enters its decisive phase. With the Playoffs 1 set to begin, Standard Liège will host Antwerp this Friday in what promises to be a demanding opening fixture. Despite the physical fatigue caused by long-distance travel, the Standard captain is determined to lead by example and ensure his team starts the playoffs on the right foot.
Returning to Belgium after international duty was far from easy for Mpoku, who admits that the journey took its toll. However, the midfielder insists that the celebrations following qualification are now firmly behind him. “Everyone back home was very happy, but that’s all in the past now. Now, it’s all about the playoffs,” he explained in an interview with La Dernière Heure. While acknowledging the exhaustion that comes with intercontinental travel, Mpoku made it clear that fatigue will not be used as an excuse. “I’m glad to be back, but it was tiring. Traveling takes a lot out of you. I’m still getting treatment, but I’ll be ready for the game, even if it’s a bit early. But that’s no excuse. We have a pretty deep squad.”
Standard Liège enter the playoffs with ambition and a strong sense of responsibility, particularly after falling short of expectations in previous campaigns. For Mpoku, the playoffs represent an opportunity to prove that the team has matured and learned from past mistakes. “Our main objective is to show that we’ve learned from our past mistakes,” he said. Playing the first match at home only reinforces the importance of making a strong statement from the outset.
Antwerp, however, will be no easy opponent. Standard have yet to defeat them this season, and Mpoku is fully aware of the challenge that awaits. He praised Antwerp’s qualities while underlining the need for tactical discipline and mental strength. “We’re playing at home, so we have to start the playoffs well against this Antwerp team, whom we haven’t beaten yet this season and whose qualities we know,” he noted. Standard will aim to impose their style of play and disrupt Antwerp’s rhythm, knowing that small details can make a big difference in such a competitive format.
Beyond the opposition, Mpoku emphasized that the biggest challenge lies within. According to the captain, consistency, concentration, and self-belief will be decisive factors throughout the playoffs. “We’ll try to disrupt their game, but as I’ve already said, our main opponent is ourselves,” he stressed. With points often tightly contested and margins razor-thin, maintaining focus from one match to the next is essential.
As the playoffs begin, Standard Liège are approaching this decisive phase with clear intentions: win every match and keep believing until the very end. “We’re only thinking about winning every match, and we know that in the playoffs, anything is possible,” Mpoku concluded. His words reflect both determination and optimism, as Standard look to turn ambition into tangible success on the pitch.
