On reading the selection, two observations emerge. One: all the new recruits are there except Benjamin Karamoko, who is physically out of step since the Norwegian championship ended in mid-December. Two: the young people have disappeared. Edward Still explained this Thursday at a press conference. Interestingly, he also links the arrival, which he knows to be surprising, of Karamoko to the period currently being experienced by the young Elite players integrated into the A core, including Martin Wasinski. “Following a decision taken concerning them, we needed an additional central defender, said the coach. They are slowly approaching the end of school (Editor’s note: except Chiacig, Ferraro and Descotte who are no longer at school) and that increases the pressure.”
They don’t all train daily with the pro group and repeating a grade would cause them to lose a precious year. In short, no choice, they must succeed in June.
“Football level, we noticed in their physical evaluations that they lacked rhythm. It’s normal, and it’s not ideal at their age, especially since they showed their progress during the camp. idea is that they resume playing time in U21 knowing that the balance with their schooling is difficult to find.
Assuming that Van Cleemput is a right piston, the central three system required, according to Still, an extra defender. Hence the signing of Karamoko, a very athletic profile but who will need weeks to get up to speed.
In the meantime, Sporting is concentrating on Seraing, which remains on a 4 out of 6. “Their change of coach did them good, pense Still. What is important for us is the return of our supporters, to be able to share all this with them. Seraing is playing for his life in D1A, but we too are fighting because everything remains to be played. Every game will be decisive for us too.”
