Another shot from Verlinden or a try from Marwan A-Sahafi allowed him to shine and save a point for Standard. But also to sign his first clean sheet since September 20 and the reception of the Union (0-0). “He had a great match. I’m happy for him. Personally, I think he always responded when he got his chance”pleaded Boli Bolingoli.
The people of Antwerp seemed exasperated by his stops. At the break, Thibaud Verlinden exchanged a few words with the Liège goalkeeper, as if to ask him why he had decided to be impassable this Saturday afternoon. After the meeting, a member of Beerschot management also made the same remark to him, which made him laugh.
Standard supporters understood the importance of Matthieu Epolo in the point brought back from Kiel. They gave him a standing ovation at the end of the game, more than any other player. “They always supported me, even when the technical staff decided to put me on the bench. That really makes me happy”said the guard.
Epolo brilliant, Kuavita less inspired and Ayensa in crisis of confidence: the notes of Rouches after the draw at Beerschot
At nineteen, Matthieu Epolo has not lost his confidence, despite his relegation to the bench during matches against Cercle and Charleroi. “Yes, it was a little bit difficult but we had to keep working. Thank God I’m back on the pitch and that makes me really happy.”
Ivan Leko had decided to remove him from his basic eleven after a few more complicated performances. The Croatian technician has, however, never condemned his young goalkeeper. “He is young, he works hard and he has a big character. We are all aware that a nineteen-year-old goalkeeper is going to make mistakes. At one point there was perhaps a little too much stress and “We decided to give him some peace and quiet. Today he had a big game, with several important saves. He’s a fantastic guy who needs to be confident and play completely free.”he analyzed after the draw at Beerschot.
Matthieu Epolo will now have to take on a new challenge: finding consistency. And in particular against La Gantoise, next weekend, during a match where he risks being called upon often. His defenders seem confident in his ability to repeat such a performance. “People only see his mistakes but Matthieu has made some great saves this season. Everyone has confidence in him. He’s a very good goalkeeper. At Beerschot, his many saves proved that he was a great goalkeeper”finished Henry Lawrence.
