Rik De Mil: “Another step forward as a team through this performance” | OneFootball

A beaming coach De Mil at the conclusion of the game at KV Mechelen. The three points does not keep Club's T1 from keeping both feet firmly on the ground, however.

“I'm satisfied with what I saw of my team today. A team putting forward pressure, trying to pin back its opponent high upfield. We have taken some steps in our football too, I reckon. There's still room for improvement when it comes to transition. Play it out a bit better at some moments, would have resulted in more goals. Those are some working points, absolutely, but I did see a dominant team in possession, finding space more easily. To boot, we managed to take up position well too, but we still have work to do. But as to the control of the game, we have taken a clear stride forward. Thirty minutes into the game, I reckon we played too low for ten to fifteen minutes, allowing the hosts to creep closer to our goal. That's the kind of moments we need to avoid if we want to be more assured in the game." The topic of the Champions’ play-offs obviously also arose. “We will give it everything we've got, but it's clear that we don't have matters in our own hands. We really shouldn't be looking at the other teams, but should see where we can take another big step forward. Not only when it comes to the points, which is most important of course, but also in our football and with the drive to keep putting high pressure. But also in our team performance, and that's where I believe we took a good step today.” Coach De Mil has an active style of coaching along the sideline. “I sometimes feel like playing myself (smiles). No, it's important to bring that enthusiasm to the boys on the pitch. They worked really hard, and there is a sense of enthusiasm. As a coach you try to make it thrive, especially in putting pressure. I'm quite demanding of my team, asking them to put high pressure constantly. This puts them 1vs1 in many situations, and that's when you can use that little bit extra to keep that pressure forward.” Finally, Rik De Mil was asked how his days as a coach are going. “I feel great, but it's a peculiar situation of course. That's because of the pressure of this position, as we have to do it right now. It's not my first year here at Club Brugge either, so I'm quite used ot handling this kind of pressure. In general, I love it. There's so much talent at Club, but the boys have to remain patient and continue working. I don't want to be the coach whose only idea is to bring the youngsters on the pitch. But when they deserve, they should get their chances", a satisfied Rik De Mil concluded. (TM)