Mersad Selimbegović: “Club NXT plays with a lot of solidity and determination”
A challenge not to be underestimated awaits KAS Eupen. » This opponent is really good and stands out from the other two U23 teams of Anderlecht and Genk, because Club NXT already plays much more mature, robust and determined than other teams of this age. They have a 17-year-old center forward, Kaye Furo, who wins something like 80% of his duels. We must pay close attention to him and try to neutralize him. But they also pass well through the flanks,” says Mersad Selimbegović, head coach of KAS Eupen, about his team’s next opponent.
“Act with courage and finally seize our chances”
During the press conference preceding the 12th day of the Challenger Pro League, the coach set out the roadmap for KAS Eupen in these terms: “We want to once again show the good movements that we managed to put in place during from our previous matches. To do this, we must be courageous and aggressive in our game and, above all, take advantage of the opportunities we have. This is what we have not done until now. Since the first match day. If you don’t take advantage of your chances, you will be punished. It’s football.”
“Put 2% more to tilt close matches to our side”
To turn things around after the disappointing results of recent weeks, Mersad Selimbegović expects the more experienced players in his team to take more responsibility and for each of them “to add the 2% that are missing and that are to its scope. Then you will also be able to tilt close matches to your side.”
Not an easy preparation
Due to the onset of winter, the Pandas had to carry out the last training sessions before leaving for Roeselare on the artificial turf pitch at the Kehrweg Stadium: “We had to improvise. But that’s how it is, complaining doesn’t help us. We did the most we could,” the coach said at the press conference.
Without Bitumazala and Emond
In addition to Isaac Nuhu, Nathan Bitumazala and Renaud Emond are not eligible for the match against the NXT club due to their injuries. The question of whether Shayne Pattynama tolerated the jet lag after traveling with his national team until Friday evening should be decided in the short term. All other players from the KAS Eupen professional core are ready to play.
Here are two PAA-related questions for the provided article:
## KAS Eupen vs. Club NXT: A Tactical Breakdown
Welcome to today’s interview, where we’ll be delving into KAS Eupen’s upcoming clash against Club NXT. Joining us are **[Guest 1 Name],** a football analyst with years of experience scrutinizing Belgian football tactics, and **[Guest 2 Name],** a former professional footballer who understands the challenges faced by KAS Eupen from an athlete’s perspective.
**Section 1: Assessing the Opponent**
* **Interviewer:** Mersad Selimbegović identifies Club NXT as a particularly challenging opponent. What makes them stand out amongst other U23 teams in the league, beyond their maturity and determination? [Guest 1], your analysis on their playing style would be valuable here.
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2], as a former player, how crucial can a player like Kaye Furo, who wins 80% of his duels, be in a match like this? What strategies can KAS Eupen employ to effectively neutralize his threat?
**Section 2: KAS Eupen’s Game Plan**
* **Interviewer:** Coach Selimbegović emphasizes the need for KAS Eupen to be courageous and take advantage of their chances. [Guest 1], based on Eupen’s recent performances, do you think they are struggling particularly with finishing, or are there underlying factors contributing to this issue?
* **Interviewer:** The coach also calls for experienced players to take on more responsibility. [Guest 2], from your experience, what are some effective ways for seasoned players to uplift a team’s performance, especially when facing a challenging opponent like Club NXT?
**Section 3: Overcoming Obstacles**
* **Interviewer:**
The team has had to adapt their training due to the onset of winter. [Guest 1], how significantly can a change in training climate and surface affect a team’s preparation and performance?
* **Interviewer:**
KAS Eupen will be missing key players due to injuries. [Guest 2], how can a team with missing players maintain morale and ensure cohesion on the field? What adjustments in the lineup might we see to compensate for these absences?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
* **Interviewer:** Both guests, in your opinion, what is the most crucial factor for KAS Eupen to secure a positive result against Club NXT? What tactical adjustments or mental approach could tilt the balance in their favor?
* **Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your insights. We wish KAS Eupen the best of luck in their upcoming game.
**Note:** This interview structure provides a framework for a comprehensive discussion. Remember to encourage thoughtful responses from the guests, allowing space for their unique perspectives and expertise.
