Following RSC Anderlecht’s qualification for the UEFA Europa League league phase, manager Vitor Bruno bypassed personal praise on Tuesday to spotlight the club’s youth development pipeline at Neerpede.
Vitor Bruno Shifts Spotlight to Neerpede After Europa League Qualification
Bruno addressed the media after the team’s progression past Kairat Almaty. He emphasized that the accomplishments of the squad’s younger players stem directly from the foundation built by academy coaches rather than his own management.
The Portuguese coach noted that the standard of work across all age groups at the complex is exceptional. He specifically highlighted a recent observation of the under-9 team.
Inside the Neerpede Academy Standard
Bruno described the level of play at the academy as striking. He stated that he instructed his staff to observe the U9 training sessions to witness the environment firsthand.
“The young players are incredible, and that is not my merit,” Bruno stated, attributing the success to the youth staff at Neerpede.
“All the credit goes to the coaches at Neerpede. They do a remarkable job. I am simply reaping the benefits of young players who are already at a more advanced stage.”
Meritocracy Driving Squad Selection
When questioned on his squad selection policy, Bruno maintained that age plays no role in determining who takes the field.
He emphasized that participation is earned exclusively through training performance and on-field effort.
Addressing Defensive Lapses in Almaty
Reflecting on the opening ten weeks of his tenure, Bruno acknowledged that the team is still navigating its developmental process.
He pointed to defensive lapses during the first half of the match in Almaty—where Anderlecht initially built a three-goal advantage—as evidence of necessary areas for improvement.
“There will be good and bad moments, and we will do everything to move forward and learn from our mistakes,” Bruno said, as noted in match transcripts.
The Immediate Turnaround for Domestic Play
The team faces a demanding schedule with fixtures every three days now that European competition has arrived, raising expectations across the club.
Anderlecht turns its attention directly to upcoming domestic competition. Bruno confirmed that preparations for Sunday’s fixture begin immediately, with the squad shifting focus away from European qualification and toward maintaining momentum in league play.
Keep reading
