INTERVIEWS Disappointment at RSC Anderlecht remained high after the loss to Cercle Brugge, even for rising star Nathan De Cat. Despite a strong personal performance, the 17-year-old midfielder could not prevent a painful evening and was unusually frank in his assessment afterwards. He said the game was effectively lost in the first half. “We gave the match away there,” he said, visibly disappointed.
“We started weak and conceded three goals that came far too easily. As a team we have to admit this simply wasn't a good performance.” De Cat refused to accept any excuses. The absence of a few players, he insisted, could not justify the result. “Even with players missing, Anderlecht must always beat Cercle Brugge at home. This is simply a big disappointment.”
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Continue reading When it briefly looked as if a place in the top six might be at risk, panic crept in, but the team tried to regroup. “You feel that for a moment, but we had to keep focusing on our own game. The second half was a bit better, but certainly not enough.” Anderlecht now start the Champions' Play-offs in sixth place. De Cat realises the season so far has been erratic. “We've had many highs and lows. But there's still a lot to play for in the play-offs. We must try to pick up as many points as possible and qualify for European football. That's the minimum.”
Despite everything, a special moment is coming for De Cat: his first call-up to the Belgian national team, the Red Devils. He could not yet fully enjoy it. “Of course I'm happy with the selection and grateful for the trust. It's something every boy dreams of. But right now the disappointment over this defeat dominates.” On Tuesday the young midfielder is expected in Tubeke for his first international camp — a new step in his career, although first he will have to come to terms with this bitter evening.
