Wouter Vrancken accepts and regrets internal criticism: “It would be good if they told each other”

After some promising results against STVV and Standard, AA Gent suffered another clear defeat yesterday. They lost 1-3 at home to Union. Trainer Wouter Vrancken saw a good first half, but also a disappointing performance after the break: “Two central defenders remain upright and show grinta, but we really needed 10.”

“Congratulations to “Poco” for the win,” Wouter Vrancken opened his press conference. The victory flowers did indeed go to Sébastien Pocognoli’s Union.

Not to KAA Gent, which was as good as its equal before half time. “The only thing missing was the conviction to do something with the last ball in the last 20 meters. We gave away virtually nothing.”

Still, the home team had to chase, and after the break the pudding collapsed. “In the second half you concede an early goal and we start doing things that were not requested,” Vrancken said. “Then you can’t get a line in anymore.”

The 1-3 was mainly a measure against the bleeding.

“Our goal still brings a little hope. You want them to show extra energy, but that was lacking. That is a shame after a good performance against Standard and a very solid first half.”

“Maybe some of the guys were already in holiday mode,” said Jordan Torunarigha. “We lost focus, it is unacceptable,” said Andri Gudjohnsen.

The players of AA Gent did not mince their words. Trainer Vrancken shows understanding for that frustration. “If you show the will yourself and you see that other boys lack it, then that is frustrating. I can understand that.”

Although the Ghent coach would prefer to keep the criticism within the group. “Such things may be said, but you have to dare to say it to each other. It was mentioned once in the group.”

“It would be good if they said it to each other. I also had several discussions when I was a player,” Vrancken remembers.

It belongs to a certain generation that says some things in the microphone, but not face to face.

Wouter Vrancken

He also puts the issue into perspective and sees a general evolution. “It’s not just us. It belongs to a certain generation that says some things in the microphone, but not face to face.”

AA Gent ends 2024 as 6th in the competition after a start to the season “with ups and downs”, according to Vrancken. “That is not entirely contrary to expectations, with young boys and a busy calendar.”

“On the other hand, you hope that you will make more progress. Today it is disappointing again. You take some individual matters into account at the team level. It is my job to continue to work with the boys who are there.”

So no big wish list for the winter mercato? “That is very easy to say, especially after a loss. Based on the first half, I would say not. After the 2nd and 3rd goals, there may be more wishes.”