ANDREAS WIELAND: "THIS SEASON MUST BE THE START OF THE NEW BEERSCHOT"

The first week of the preparation towards the new season is over and done with. Time for a chat with our new head coach Andreas Wieland. The 38 year old Austrian looks relaxed and sounds driven. Sind Sie zufrieden Herr Wieland?

"I am very satisfied after this first week where I could welcome a handful of new players. And am delighted by the zealous manner my players performed during training. They show the right mentality both on the pitch and in the dressing room. On top of that the working conditions are great as well: a perfect pitch, good care and general support, the staff that works well together with a straightforward and open communication. We can work in a perfect setting towards the start of the new season. But it is going to be a hard eight weeks."

How do you rate your squad?

"I dare say we have found a good mix of eager youngsters and more experienced players from which we can transform a strong team. The young U23 players who are training with our first team squad at the moment also impressed me. I can already taste the eagerness in and around the club. But at times also the bitterness, pain and frustration after what happened here last season. I know how dramatic the 2021-2022 season has been for Beerschot and how big the disappointment was. But: we have to forget that right now and start with a clean slate."
 

Heard of and from the Beerschot supporters already?

"Before and after the training sessions I have already spoken with a couple of them. It is clear they are craving for success and want to regain their spot in Division 1A. And yes, I have heard about the Beerschot supporters' reputation as well. (smiles) I know they are loyal and faithful but are also very critical when the players underperform or don't go in for the full 100%. I have no problem with that as I am exactly the same. I demand full focus and effort from them all the time... and can promise they will show that attitude in every game this season."

What is your and Beerschot's aim for this season?

"We work step by step: create a solid working base with good physical preparation, form a solid group, work on our style of football. In that respect our preparation games will be very important in our goal to get better and better. Promotion is of course our main aim but please give us time to start again from scratch. That's our biggesty challenge right now."

Does working and living in the city of Antwerpen appeal to you?

"Oh yes. At the moment my wife is still working in Austria, but in July she and our three children will move permanently to Antwerpen where we want to find a nice house and settle. My first impressions are very positive. The city looks attractive with a couple of completely different neighbourhoods that seem to interact quite well. Very multicultural too. I was told that people from Antwerpen are called "arrogant" by other people in Belgium. But to be honest I haven't noticed anything like that at all so far. On the contrary. The people I have talked with when I needed information have all been very friendly and courteous. The atmosphere looks alright. So I don't expect a lot of problems with adjusting here. I even understand a bit of the Flemish language already."

So: if we win the title at the end of the season you will do your victory speech in Flemish?

"Okay. That's a deal."

By Danny Geerts