Given the avalanche of injuries, Tedesco still had to draw from the reservoir of hope. “It’s something we didn’t really want to do but in some cases we had no choice. We also took other profiles like Sambi Lokonga who hadn’t been with us for a very long time.”
As usual, the coach did not want to say too much about his probable starting eleven against Italy. Tedesco said he would adjust depending on his form but also possible suspensions for the last match against Israel. “We have an interesting young team. I think that the basic eleven will not be revolutionized. But the bench will be very young and new.”
The meeting is good for Lukaku, the iron is hot for Engels, Trossard is in the hole: what state are the Devils in?
Could there be any surprises in both matches? “It’s possible because with the injuries and possible suspensions, there could be room for new players. Especially since the two matches will only be separated by two days, which is a short time frame.”
The coach also returned to the discussions between the new CEO Peter Willems and the Courtois clan in recent days. “I know that the new CEO Peter Willems went to Madrid. He warned me. For me, everything is said in this file and it was clear what Thibaut said. But on the other hand, the CEO has every right to talk to him.”
“We need more patience with this generation”
For his part, Amadou Onana believes that the “The group is reduced compared to the last meeting. De Ketelaere, Jérémy Doku and Tielemans are missing. They have a lot of qualities and we will miss them. The coach had to make choices and tried to find the best possible replacements.”
“You have to do your best to get the best possible result. There is no point in doing calculations but it will first happen on the pitch and we must approach this game by game“, continued the midfielder who “takes his role as leader to heart.” “I am already one of the elders in quotes”specifies Onana, seeing the new generation arrive. “It’s positive for Belgian football to see so many young players arriving in the selection.”
“My relationship with the coach has always been very good and I am very grateful to him for the confidence he gives me“, also specifies the Aston Villa player.
Amadou Onana nevertheless believes that the relationship has deteriorated between supporters and players. He demands “More patience because we shouldn’t compare to the generation of 2018. The latter also took a while to arrive. But we shouldn’t even compare because it’s a different time.”
