The Red Devils had a disappointing World Cup, after which several veterans left the ageing Belgium squad. In Belgium, the start of the qualifying series for the European Championship is therefore also seen as a new beginning, said Leandro Trossard.
Belgium is transforming under Tedesco: “This is a new beginning for everyone”
The winger made a transfer to Arsenal last winter. There he immediately made an impression and that makes him one of the new faces of the new Belgium. “The transition went smoothly and I expected that. I am convinced of my own qualities. Arsenal was the right move for me,” he said.
“My stats are now magnified at a top club,” Trossard explained the difference from his time at Brighton & Hove Albion. “We’re at the top and now it’s the biggest challenge of my career to win the Premier League. We’re doing really well.”
Trossard is also ready for a new start with the Red Devils. Players like Eden Hazard, Toby Alderweireld and Simon Mignolet waved off. With Domenico Tedesco there was also a new national coach. “It’s time for the younger generation,” he realises. “It’s new for everyone. I’m excited to start. Have I already spoken to the national coach? No, not individually. It is also new to him, he has to get to know everyone. That will come this week.”
How the coach wants to play remains to be seen. “I do expect some different accents,” said Trossard. He was referring to predecessor Roberto Martinez, who was a bit more reserved in nature. He adds, “Tedesco is a coach who wants to put high pressure and from there wants to create opportunities. On Friday there will be a team on the field that can compete with the other top countries.”
Openda and the feeling of the first day of school: “No new era”
Thanks to accurate weeks, Loïs Openda entered the Belgian national team with a very good feeling.
Openda now has six international matches to his name. Still, the goal getter had a “first day of school” feeling when he reported to the Red Devils this week for the start of the European Championship qualification. Sweden is the first opponent.
With the departure of Roberto Martínez and the arrival of Domenico Tedesco, a breath of fresh air is blowing at the Belgians. Openda had already been in contact with the new national coach. “He had already called me a few days before his selection. We chatted a bit about my game and he showed a lot of confidence,” he revealed.
Openda also came in with confidence after a productive month of March at his club RC Lens. With five goals in two games – including one historic hat-trick – he increased his tally to fourteen in Ligue 1.
“The last few weeks have indeed gone very well and I hope to capitalise on that here,” said the former Vitesse striker at the press conference of the Red Devils. “If the national coach gives me playing time, I will try to seize that opportunity.”
