2023-10-04 16:35:00
16:48
Vanhaezebrouck intervenes when asked for Gandelman: “Case closed”
A match against Maccabi Tel Aviv: then AA Gent logically chose Omri Gandelman (23) at the press conference. “I have played against Maccabi Tel Aviv many times. A very good team,” said the Israeli midfielder. “They have a lot of qualities, especially at the front. If I have to mention one player, it would be Eran Zahavi. I have already trained with him with the national team. Good striker, lots of experience, sharp in the box. A goalscorer. He is the leader of Maccabi. We’ll have to keep an eye on him.”
Gandelman arrived at AA Gent at the end of August. You may remember his player presentation. Head scout Samuel Cárdenas then said that he was “100 percent a transfer from the coach”. In other words: scouting did not support his arrival, but Hein Vanhaezebrouck did. When asked about this during a separate interview, Vanhaezebrouck intervened. “That is past tense. Case closed,” the coach said. Gandelman could only agree with that. He has not been convincing so far, with only one starting place and 126 playing minutes. The midfielder still needs time to adapt, it sounds. “If I stay patient, I will achieve my goals. I’m sure about that. I want to show myself.” (ABD)
Hein Vanhaezebrouck and Omri Gandelman. © BELGA
16:33
Hong to Asian Games final
While AA Gent prepares the Conference League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hyun-seok Hong (24) is doing well at the Asian Games. The midfielder won the semi-final against Uzbekistan (2-1) with South Korea and can prepare for the final against Japan. If South Korea wins the Asian Games, Hong will avoid much of his military service as a reward. In principle, all South Korean men must have served as a soldier for at least 21 months before the age of 28. Unless they did their country a great service. With a gold medal, Hong would only have to serve in the army for three weeks. (ABD)
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16:30
Hein Vanhaezebrouck about Gift Orban: “Even during training the balls no longer go in”
The Ghent strikers are looking for their best form. And certainly Gift Orban (21). The Nigerian, the sensation of our competition last season, has been dry for six matches. Does this also show up in training? “Yes,” says Hein Vanhaezebrouck. “Even during training the balls don’t go in anymore. Otherwise he would play more, wouldn’t he? People are asking questions because he’s on the couch. But it’s very simple: someone who performs really well in training always starts. We also find it strange that it suddenly no longer works. Last season everything worked, he was great. But you also have moments in your career where everything just doesn’t work out. He is now in such a period. That can also make him stronger. Be careful: he’s still young. It’s not that obvious. Gift is an optimist – he keeps smiling. But of course it gets into his head.”
It must also be said: Orban has had some setbacks in recent weeks, right? Suffered an injury against OHL, was substituted early against Club after a red card for Fadiga, and received a serious red card against Eupen… “He just didn’t perform well against Club Brugge,” said Vanhaezebrouck. “Maybe I would have had him without that red card from Fadiga was also taken off. He then took a red card against Eupen, which meant he missed a match and a half. He has created a number of things himself.”
Vanhaezebrouck and his staff therefore face the challenge of getting Orban back on track. “We can help him by, for example, going back to what happened last season. Show him images of when it worked. He must realize that you have to work harder and do extra when things get more difficult. You must also continue to function in the team. If you score two goals per match, the team can live with the fact that you might work a little less hard. If those goals are not achieved, the team will expect you to make other contributions. These are things he has to pick up. And he tries. We view the story positively. We will work together to get him to score again.”
According to Vanhaezebrouck, Maccabi Tel Aviv is perhaps the most difficult opponent in the group. “If you look at how many champions they became in Israel… It is the opponent with the most resources and experience. Normally Tel Aviv is our toughest opponent.”
Vanhaezebrouck confirmed that Hugo Cuypers is still out with a muscle injury. “It’s not a big deal, but tomorrow comes too early.” Pieter Gerkens and Jordan Torunarigha are doubtful. Laurent Depoitre (Achilles tendon) and Nurio Fortuna (hamstrings) continue their rehabilitation.
Hein Vanhaezebrouck. © Photo News
15:09
Tissoudali called up by Morocco
Tarik Tissoudali (30) is part of Morocco’s national selection for the upcoming international match. It practices against Ivory Coast (14/10) and plays an Africa Cup qualifying match against Liberia (17/10). Tissoudali was not there in September, he played against South Africa at the end of last season. Tissoudali has a total of 11 caps and two goals to his name. At AA Gent they will mainly hope that the striker returns top fit – they can really do without injuries given their busy schedule. (ABD)
© Photo News
11:55
No Cuypers training at AA Gent
Will AA Gent have to do without Hugo Cuypers against Maccabi Tel Aviv tomorrow? In any case, the striker remained sidelined during training today. Pieter Gerkens (ankle) was also not there. Sven Kums, who had some knee problems against RWDM, was present.
Laurent Depoitre (Achilles tendon) did special exercises. Nurio Fortuna (hamstrings) is also continuing his rehabilitation. (ABD)
© BELGIUM
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