“We reacted like a family”: the Rouches satisfied with their commitment to Gantoise

The buffalo trainer looked surprised, then smiled: “He’s fantastic, really. He had a bit of luck today, but you have to admit he’s doing a great job.”

The Norwegian coach certainly appreciated the compliment, but he also knew that it was better to come to Antwerp on Friday rather than Tuesday. What happened between Tuesday and Friday, precisely, to go from a team without desire to a group that showed its sense of solidarity? “We talked about the lack of involvement, which we cannot release”explained Deila, emphasizing a return to simple things.

Filippo Melegoni was talking about a meeting, to sort things out in a constructive spirit. “We reacted like a family”said the median, joined by Merveille Bokadi: “We found this group solidarity.”

Because the coach and the players admitted it: they suffered. “The way we hung on says something about the character”estimated Deila, who did not fail to highlight Bodart’s performance, “an incredible goalkeeper”.

“After the post and the crossbar, we felt that the match would be complicatedanalyst Bokadi. But we stayed focused and defended well.” “Apart from the corners, we didn’t concede many chances”even dared Melegoni.

Asked about the possible penalty, for a hand fault by Ngadeu, Deila was still sporty: “I don’t feel like it’s a penalty. But when I see some penalties against us, like in Eupen, I think we could have had it. It’s not a free-scoring opportunity , so for me it’s not a penalty. But then you need consistency in the decisions.”

Consistency in performance, and in terms of mentality, will be the challenge for 2023. In the meantime, as Bokadi slipped, “We will be able to breathe a little, and celebrate well with the family. Because we did not want to stay on two defeats”.