2023-06-23 17:30:00
Charles De Ketelaere, officially still captain until Saturday, was present on the eve of the meeting between Georgia and Belgium. But obviously, his trainer wanted to protect him…
Facing the Netherlands, Charles De Ketelaere showed all the symptoms of a player lacking in confidence. His statistics are both encouraging (a pass that should have been decisive, a lot of duels won) and unsatisfactory for a player who was moving so high on the pitch (only 2 dribbles attempted, one of which was successful, 55% of successful passes) .
But Jacky Mathijssen is still counting on the AC Milan player, present at a press conference this Friday as captain. A role which he does not necessarily seem to want, and which does not really seem to fit such a discreet boy like a glove. “I didn’t come here to be captain. Aster (Vranckx) wore the armband during qualifying, if he plays tomorrow, it would be normal for him to play”, even begins De Ketelaere.
A statement in honor of CDK, which will then divert another question about his personal role towards the importance of the collective. The opportunity for Jacky Mathijssen to intervene: “I understand your questions about Charles, they are legitimate. But what he says there is a perfect example of why he is there”, insists the coach. “It shows that in my group, nobody is above, no matter if they come from the Devils or the number of goals scored and assists they gave”.
Papa Jacky
A “papa hen” attitude which will reach its climax during the last question attempted by a Dutch-speaking colleague, who asks Charles De Ketelaere how much he feels he has evolved in a past season in a major championship. It is Mathijssen who will answer: “He has improved and gained experience in a big club”, he summarizes. And CDK, a little embarrassed, to smile: “Here,” concludes the Milanese.
A funny attitude, because if the coach really wanted to protect his colt, nothing forced him to send him to the press – on the eve of Belgium – Netherlands, Openda and Raskin, not captains, had presented themselves. No question was asked aggressively towards De Ketelaere, the word “Milan” not having even been pronounced once, remarks a disconcerted Dutch-speaking colleague.
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