Club BruggeAlfred Schreuder did not miss his entry into Club. Apart from that 0-0 against Karlsruher, the dressing room is full of praise. “His approach suits this group.”
It is what it is such a practice match. You should never draw big conclusions from that.
Club is making a new start these days. With new accents – done with those long balls. With other interpretations too – De Ketelaere played (strong) as ’10’, behind Dost. And with new opportunities for some guys. One grabbed it, like 16-year-old Antonio Nusa, on his right flank. Remember that name. Other(s) not – Maouassa and Otasowie remained below the norm.
To put it simply: Alfred Schreuder has become a lot wiser after his first game as head coach of Club.
He must now hope that Feyenoord will keep its promise on Saturday and will travel to Marbella for another test despite the cancellation of their training camp. Wondering whether De Ketelaere – who has repeatedly caused danger – will then be played again as an attacking midfielder. Because with Vanaken – who was on ‘the 10’ before half time –, Vormer, Rits and Balanta it becomes even more drumming. The latter has stayed away from the group in recent days after a high-risk contact.
Schreuder’s philosophy is becoming clearer by the day. He wants to increase the pace and intensity. Almost always requires the footballing solution, instead of a vertical ball of about forty meters. In combination with high pressure. “We also have a lot of guys who want to conquer the ball high, and who want to play football. Therefore, this can very well work. His approach suits this group,” said Simon Mignolet, who distinguished himself in the first half with two crucial saves.
In any case – just like a lot of other players, based on some echoes from the dressing room – he is very pleased with Schreuder’s first contribution. “He has already adjusted a lot of tactical things and mentioned what we can improve in the future. As a group. Not so much as individuals.”
The change of trainers also provides “a fresh mind”, says Mignolet. “For a new vibe that can ensure that we as a player group get the boost we need. Look, new faces, a new zest and a new atmosphere: that’s what we needed.” An opinion that is widely supported within Club. It was time for something different, blue-black wants to become champion for the third year in a row.
To be clear, Schreuder is not the type to yell down the line. Or start making crazy gestures. He calmly adjusts where necessary. Verbal or expressive. Afterwards, when he left the field, he whispered a few things to De Ketelaere – typical of his character.
Philippe Clement had already been introduced as the new AS Monaco coach. “He thanked us in a message,” Mignolet added. “We have worked well together in recent years, with him and with his staff. Also achieved many successes. It’s always sad when something like this happens, but this is part of football. And it’s something we needed. I am therefore convinced that we will take further steps in the coming days.”
And let’s hope that Feyenoord gets to Marbella…
Club setup for halftime:
Mignolet – Persyn, Hendry, Nsoki, Maouassa – Zipper, Shaper, Vanaken – Buchanan, Perez, Sandra
Shinton – Mata, Mechele, Ricca, Sobol – Otasowie, Audoor, De Ketelaere – Nusa, Lang, Dost
Simon Mignolet after practice game:
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