Despite a vital victory, Birger Verstraete lectures teammates, including the match winner: “On the edge of selfishness” – News

Despite a vital victory, Birger Verstraete lectures teammates, including the match winner: “On the edge of selfishness” – News
Despite a vital victory, Birger Verstraete lectures teammates, including the match winner: “On the edge of selfishness” – Football News

A striking reaction from Birger Verstraete after OHL’s vital victory. The midfielder was critical for some teammates, including the match winner.

Verstraete himself played a strong game and took control of the midfield. Then you can more easily express your sharp opinion. “In the attacking compartment, I didn’t think we were good in the first half, even bordering on selfishness in the game. Our striker Ikwuemesi, N’Dri and Mitrovic dribbled to death. In the second half we played really well, with press forward and between the lines.”

Verstraete therefore realized that around the hour mark there was a change in the game picture. “Before halftime you felt that Beerschot still offered a lot of resistance. That was much less in the second half, there was much less threat from their side. I think it also made a difference that we put a lot of pressure on their central defenders. So they couldn’t play their striker.”

Pressing OHL pays off

The pressure put on by the OHL players has therefore paid off. “We did that better in the second half than in the first half.” Goals were still needed and Ikwuemesi made sure of that. “We are happy with it. I swore at him in the first half. He had to stand in the box and not too low. When he got the ball, he had to play it to the outside.”

Verstraete does not take back a word of his criticism of the match winner, but saw him perform his tasks better after the break. “He does that in the second half. The keeper makes a fantastic save on his header. In the second half, Ikwuemesi is where he should be. I think it is also a relief for him, like for everyone.”

OHL match winner Ikwuemesi ‘not shy’

The Nigerian’s last goals were two months ago. Striking: everyone at OHL reacted very enthusiastically, but Ikwuemesi kept a low profile and acted rather timidly. “He pretends, hey. He’s not shy, he’s a comedian.”

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