Yari Verschaeren (Anderlecht) displays his ambitions: “I hope this will be my season”

Does Sporting have a team to challenge for the title?

Yeah, that’s still the ambition here. We already had the core to achieve this last season.

Are you better than last season?

At least as good.

What do you need to improve to go for the title?

Ask me again in five games. No matter how, our goal is to win every game and be at the top of the standings.

Felice Mazzù made you sweat to be ready…

The preparation was much heavier than in previous seasons (laughs). We felt tired, especially during the internship.

Did it work? Are you ready?

I think we are physically more advanced than last season. Personally, I didn’t feel a huge difference, although you can’t deny the difference in approach. With Vincent Kompany, the ball was always present and we ran less. Even if the preparation is not always pleasant, we could see against Lyon (Editor’s note: 3-0) that the work had paid off.

You evolve at the tip of the median triangle. Does this freer position suit you better?

I like to play on instinct. If I evolve in a free role, I can better exploit my qualities. I feel good in this system. I can pick up, come and ask for the ball anywhere. It makes me feel good.

Didn’t you have to think too muchunder Kompany?

Vinnie had a lot of principles. It was his style of play. He required a lot of tactical thinking. I have evolved a lot thanks to this. I had never learned so much. He helped me become the player I am. When I find myself in a certain situation, I recognize it and know how to manage it or anticipate the rest of the phase.

Since you wear number 10, you seem to be playing better…

(He hesitates) It’s chance. I’m very proud and happy to be part of this line of players but I’m not going to put any extra pressure on myself for a number.

But do you have an explanation of your level of play?

Not really. I suffered an ankle injury in the 2020-21 season. When I got rid of this worry, I gradually regained my level. I now feel on top. I’m more important to the team. Last season, my stats weren’t great but still decent (9 goals, 8 assists in all competitions).

Have you set a goal for this season?

I always said I had to finish with at least ten goals and ten assists.

Will you be one of the leaders this season?

Not verbally but on the pitch, I can pull my teammates or bring calm when necessary.

Is this finally the year of Yari Verschaeren?

I hope! I’m good on my legs. I played some good games in preparation and I hope to be injury-free.

What kind of football can we expect under Felice Mazzù?

The goal is to keep a dominant style, he announced it. We continue on what has been built over the past two seasons with pressing worthy of the club’s DNA. The coach will add his own accents.

We will therefore not see Anderlecht defend with ten …

I did not say that. If we are leading and we are under pressure, we will defend as a unit. But we will never start a match with this approach.

Besides his tactical work, Mazzù is known for his human management. Is he the type to come pat you on the back to chat?

It promotes group spirit. He works there in training. We sometimes do very funny exercises, it’s a joke. During the internship, we had a barbecue and a great team building. We already had this kind of activity but Felice insists even more on it. That made his success at Union SG.

He rehabilitated Adrien Trebel. Can he be a weapon for the team?

Sure. He’s an experienced player to whom I don’t have to explain what he has to do (smile). He was well prepared. I am happy for him and for the team that he is part of the group. Having a person like him right behind my back feels good.

You are less afraid of losing the ball…

I will still avoid it but I know that he will do everything to compensate for my mistake if I make one. His ability to recover allows me to take more risks at times. In addition, we have a great connection on the pitch. He knows how to find me.

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