Youri Tielemans is in the form of his life: “Of course Tedesco is not the problem, he just needs more time”

The next day, we found Tielemans, all smiles, 20 km away, at the Bodymoor Heath training complex.

A year ago, you definitely took your place at Villa. What was the key?

“The coach integrated me gradually. First in different positions, higher up the pitch, but now I play where I feel best, in number 8. The coach anchored his system in my mind , and then it was up to me to play.”

How did Emery help you progress?

“We mainly worked on my defensive game without the ball. There were already good foundations, but my position is a little different. Offensively, he especially wants me to find my teammates quickly. It was the coach who gave me makes the most progress. He coaches with passion. He’s the type of coach I needed.”

Did you know that you are the Premier League player with the most passes to the final third of the pitch (131)?

“No, I had no idea, but it fits our style of play. I just try to play forward at the right time.”

You are also the Villa player who touches the most balls, who creates the most chances, who gives the most passes to the area, assists and you are also number one in terms of duels won. Do you feel underappreciated?

“I know how much I’m working, where I’m at, and I’m hungry. I want more. I let others debate whether I’m underrated or overrated.”

Emery’s assessment speaks volumes. After your Champions League victory against Bologna, Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown congratulated you. Do you think you are the best version of yourself?

“Actually, yes. I find that I have progressed a lot, technically, physically and defensively. I maintain a good constant level. In each match, I try to be even more decisive.”

Reaching the top 4 in England and aiming for a Champions League quarter-final: is it realistic for Aston Villa?

“If we continue at this level, I don’t want to put limits on ourselves. If we can compete with City, Arsenal and Liverpool again, that would be great.”

Villa is a historic club that is reborn, but in the past, you have been quoted at Liverpool or Barcelona… Are you still thinking about taking this step in your career?

“I’ve been asked before why I didn’t move to a big club sooner, but I’m happy here. The coach wanted us to reach the Champions League, and we’re already there, earlier than expected. Aston Villa will still grow, but if an opportunity presents itself, we never say ‘no’ in advance, but at the moment I’m not thinking about it.

What is the advantage of sharing the environment with Amadou Onana, both for club and national team? Do you form a complementary pair?

“Amadou does a good job. This is the profile we needed: very tall, covering a lot of space. We understand each other well, we always speak French on the pitch, which simplifies things. Playing with Amadou, it It’s really easy.”

Your role with the Devils has evolved too.

“Under Martinez, I was already a pillar of the team, but then there were more strong players in my position. I gradually found my place, and I feel that I deserve it, without pretending to be the boss or whatever.”

What has changed under Tedesco and what has been the impact on you?

“Another system, another personality. Tedesco tries to keep things simple. We only come together for short periods and he works with younger players. Martinez had more management. It’s different management, but I wouldn’t say it’s better or worse. With Tedesco, we only played one tournament.

Is this a period of transition for you? When do you see the team regaining full confidence?

“It’s been two years, yes. Many players have stopped or are no longer called up. We need to find a balance. Tedesco needs time to see how far this team can go.”

After the match against France, you defended Tedesco which is therefore not a problem for you…

“Of course not. He has nothing to do with it. Everyone saw that we played well against France, few chances conceded, many created. If I converted this penalty, the match would have been different.”

Champions League: Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana both scorers with Aston Villa (VIDEOS)

With the departure of Hazard, the absence of Courtois, and the age of Lukaku and De Bruyne, do you think the quality of the team has dropped?

“At the World Cup in Russia, every position was doubled with players of the same level. Today we have more young people who can still reach that level. It’s a little more difficult period, but that doesn’t mean we won’t get back to that level, or even higher.”

Are media and public expectations unrealistic?

“Maybe. Everyone has the 2018 World Cup in mind and compares us to that era. We have to ignore that. We are a different generation, with other qualities. It’s up to us, with the staff, to build an identity and achieve the results we can achieve.”

Where do you set the bar for the next tournament, the 2026 World Cup?

“It’s still a long way off. We hope to be able to progress by then. It will be possible to express a realistic ambition once there.”

You wore the armband against Italy and France. How are you taking over within this new generation?

“I’m taking on more responsibilities. It’s normal for others to look to someone who’s been there longer. For me, it’s a natural process.”

Red Devils – Youri Tielemans wants to “retain” the “beautiful face” during this camp

Is it accepted that certain players, like Lukaku, rest by not playing in the Nations League?

“Yes, of course. It’s the coach who decides. Maybe there will come a time when I need it too. The schedule is so busy that management is crucial. Sometimes it’s better to take a little time rest for the rest of the season.”

You still have a chance to advance to the Nations League, but you have to beat Italy and Israel. Are you already thinking about it?

“Not at the moment, because we are in the middle of club matches. It will be very difficult, we depend on France and Italy. Let’s hope we win our matches, to begin with.”

Riemer outside, Hubert arrives, Fredberg leaves, Renard takes his place. Do you closely follow what is happening in Anderlecht?

“Yes, I’m still interested in it. When we were with the Devils, I often talked about it with Jan Vertonghen. Now, I sometimes discuss it with Leander Dendoncker, but not all the time either. It’s really complicated , in recent years, and even in recent weeks. It is a period of transition that lasts a long time.

Does that cross your mind sometimes, down in Birmingham?

“Of course. It’s a cliché, but Anderlecht is my club. I try to instill that in my daughters too: Anderlecht is our favorite club, then Belgium, then Aston Villa (laughs). I always feel like it’s getting better, but then they take another step back. To get back to the top, they will have to take steps.”

The last title dates back to 2017, you were still there. Seven years already says a lot, right?

“For Anderlecht, it’s a really long time. I think they need more stability. You have to surround the good players with young people from the club to put the machine back on the right path. It’s not that I don’t I’m especially worried, but I sometimes wonder when it will get better. I follow it from afar, but Anderlecht remains in my heart.

Lukaku has long said that he will return to Anderlecht one day, perhaps even within two years according to what he recently declared. And you ?

“Well, I don’t know. I never said no. Maybe one day it will happen. I don’t want to make false promises, but yes, why not? Like Romelu, I don’t want to come back just for the show. I would still like to be at a good level and not come back to Belgium just for the show.”

But above all, you have other things on the agenda, such as a trip to Jan Breydel next Wednesday. Does playing in Belgium in a club again make you happy?

“The last time was with Monaco, also in Bruges. I had to order a few tickets for friends. It’s nice that they can come and watch the match, but to be honest, I would have preferred to play in Anderlecht stadium (smile).”