Hein Vanhaezebrouck and KAA Gent leave Europe with their heads held high, but also taste a sour aftertaste. The coach mainly cursed about the crucial equalizer just before half-time: “The boulevard is being opened up there, much too cheap.”
For one half, the full visitors’ section of KAA Gent in London was allowed to dream.
But sobering followed after the break as West Ham shifted up a gear and pushed the Buffalos towards a European exit.
For Hein Vanhaezebrouck, the analysis in the press room of the Olympic stadium was simple afterwards: “If you play against a team that has more than yourself, you have to prevent them from imposing their qualities. That worked out very well in the first leg and now for rest. With a number of shortcomings, because we should have scored more.”
There’s a five-foot-tall guy who doesn’t even have to walk or jump to head in the ball.
Although the coach was especially disappointed about the far too easy goals against in London. Especially Antonio’s quick equalizer on a corner kick, shortly before the break, was something Vanhaezebrouck found difficult to digest.
“There’s a guy of 1 meter 80 who doesn’t even have to walk or jump to head in the ball. He stands at the first post and the boulevard just opened. (sigh) That was a much too cheap goal. In the first zone you always have to come or stand in front of your opponent. Too bad. Because now West Ham went into the dressing room with a boost and not us.”
After two more unfortunate goals against, Vanhaezebrouck saw that it was “completely done”. Gone is a unique chance for a historic semi-final.
“We leave Europe with our heads held high because we made it to the last 8 again,” said the coach.
“But we absolutely have to learn from these kinds of matches. Too often the same players are involved in unfortunate phases. It was therefore instructive to see who can handle this level. Because these kinds of duels are comparable to the pressure during the play-offs or a cup final.”
For some this was a hard lesson, but others can take courage from their achievement.
Despite the blow, Vanhaezebrouck showed hope towards Sunday, when Ghent wants to win a place in the Champions’ Play-offs against Ostend.
“We will manage to charge everyone. For some this was a hard lesson, but others can take courage from their performance. Still, it is always dangerous when you come out of a physical blow on Thursday and you hit an opponent without pressure. So we will definitely have to reach our level.”
2023-04-20 22:28:13
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