At Standard, there is a problem. The results have been poor on the road and in recent weeks, Matthieu Epolo has made too many blatant mistakes. Supporters and some analysts are calling for the return of Arnaud Bodart. What does Ivan Leko think of his young goalkeeper?
What about Epolo?
Epolo started the season very strong with a lot of clean sheets and also a lot of good saves. The Liégeois breathed a sigh of relief, because placing Epolo was undoubtedly a risk. Last year in Challenger Pro League with SL 16, he made mistakes regularly, but he seemed to have a lot of confidence in himself but suddenly he started making mistakes again.
Against Sint-Truiden, he did well again, but against Ghent, he faltered with a huge blunder. Did Leko talk to him?
“I have to talk to everyone after such a defeat, not just Matthieu, but also the attackers, midfielders and defenders. Our team is not balanced. Two months ago we had the best defense of the championship”.
Bodart’s difficult story
He was asked if he had any doubts about Epolo being number one. Even before the season, the Walloon press had suggested that Leko would like to have an experienced goalkeeper. But there was no money for that and the board pushed to place Epolo.
“After a match like that, you doubt everyone and yourself. You doubt your goalkeeper, your defenders, your midfielders, your attackers. Matthieu is a very good goalkeeper, we trust him. He has to make mistakes to learn. Bodart’s return seems difficult. He really wanted to leave, it didn’t work and getting him back is difficult.
Standard still hopes to be able to sell the goalkeeper for a limited sum in January.
