INTERVIEWS Vítor Bruno was notably reserved during the press conference ahead of the Europa League match against Red Bull Salzburg. The Anderlecht coach kept his answers brief and was reluctant to address questions about Club Brugge, CEO Kenneth Bornauw, or the situation surrounding Onia Seke. His focus is entirely on the European campaign.
The Austrian journalists in attendance were also taken aback by the Portuguese coach's cool demeanor. He was particularly uninterested in questions about the upcoming big match against Club Brugge. Nor did he want to revisit the events of the past week or CEO Kenneth Bornauw's interview. “I've said everything I wanted to say about that. I only want to talk about the match against Salzburg.”
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Continue reading Aasgaard and Winkler's Status Uncertain Ahead of the match against the Austrians, it remains uncertain whether Thelo Aasgaard and Marten Winkler will be available. Both players were absent from training earlier and are doubtful. “Their status is uncertain. We'll make the final decision tomorrow,” said Bruno.
The timing makes preparation especially challenging. Anderlecht has less than 72 hours between the European match and the trip to Club Brugge, which, moreover, gets an extra day of recovery. Bruno, however, didn't want to discuss that. “So you can write that I'm using that as an excuse? No, I'm not going to address that. I don't want to talk about that match.”
When asked whether the match against Club Brugge is the game of the year for the fans, he stood by his position. “For me, our next match is always the most important one. Right now, that's Salzburg. The Red Bull group has helped shape modern soccer in recent years. They have a clear philosophy, and I expect a team that will go all out on the attack. Out of their last 21 matches, they've lost only one. That says enough about the quality of our opponent.”
U-17 World Cup and an emotional tribute Bruno also declined to comment on the possible participation of Anderlecht players in the U-17 World Cup in Qatar. The club reportedly has no intention of releasing certain players. “That's a matter between Antoine Sibierski and the Belgian Football Association. I'm not going to comment on that. In any case, it's better for me to have as many players as possible available for training.”
Finally, the Portuguese coach reflected on the passing of Spanish soccer player Jesús de Miguel. In doing so, he revealed a very different side of himself. “This feels like a nightmare. We're so passionate about soccer that we never stop to think it can end so tragically. I want to express my sincere condolences and, on behalf of everyone at Anderlecht, offer my support to De Miguel's family and friends.”
