Debast: "Feeling we could win"

INTERVIEWS It is by now becoming a habit: Zeno Debast speaking to the press after a European game. Yesterday was no different. "This performance will boost our confidence for the league and for the return match next week," he told Sporza.


"With the whole team we handled it well," Debast began. "We knew that Villareal is a very good team. Sixth in La Liga, Champions League semifinal last season, won Europa League. We knew what we had to do. Now, after the match, I even feel a little bit that we could even win."

On the opposing goal, suddenly someone was completely free. What went wrong? "I have to look at it again. We're going to learn from it," Debast said. "But we can be especially happy today with the result and the way it went. This will boost our confidence for the league and for the return match next week."

After halftime, Anderlecht was even the better team. "True. We wanted to recover the ball as quickly as possible and play forward. We have fast and technically good players. So that was our plan."

Does Debast dare to dream of qualifying for the quarterfinals? "I think so. I'm a dreamer by nature, but today we showed that it's possible. If we can perform the same over there. Penalty kicks, extra time or just finishing a chance ... Who knows."

Yesterday Villareal some key players on the bench and next week the Spaniards play at home. So it won't be easy. "Anyway, we know that. But we're going to do everything we can to get a good result."

But Sunday first Cercle. "European duels always provide a confidence boost. Especially with this result. That can give the team and the fans, because we are playing at home, confidence. Recover well tomorrow and go full steam ahead on Sunday."