Svensson on Vertessen's appeal for starting role: "We want to see more." | OneFootball

Union Berlin head-coach Bo Svensson discussed the state of his starting XI at a Friday pre-match press conference.

The FCU trainer also specifically addressed a public appeal from Belgian striker Yorbe Vertessen for more playing time.

Photo: Luciano Lima, Getty Images

Despite the fact that his team managed to upset Borussia Dortmund in the last Bundesliga round prior to the international break, 1. FC Union Berlin trainer Bo Svensson didn't necessarily wish to adhere to the "never change a winning team" adage ahead of Sunday's fixture against Kiel.

"Some guys who deserve to play will be sitting on the bench," Svensson flatly stated at the presser, "The quality in our squad is high. It's not easy to get in. Players have to keep at it!"

As it turned out, this most especially applied to Belgian striker Yorbe Vertessen even after he scored what would prove the game-winning-goal off the bench.

The Belgian made headlines this week with an interview published in Germany's preeminent footballing publication, Kicker Magazine.

"I want to be more than a sub," Vertessen noted in the interview, "I want to be a player who plays from the start and on whom the coach regularly relies."

Svensson answered this appeal dryly.

"He had a good game against Dortmund," Svensson noted, "but one good game against Dortmund isn't good enough. He's had good games before and brings a lot to the team with his nose for goal."

"One has to prove oneself every day in training," Svensson continued, "There is no doubt about his qualities, but we want to see more of them. It must always be apparent.”