Unionist coach Alexander Blessin triumphed at the end of the Belgian Cup final won by his team against Antwerp (1-0) on Thursday. Although he experienced a tense match, he said he was “overwhelmed by emotions” when the final whistle blew.
“I probably won’t give very intelligent answers,” joked Blessin before starting the post-match press conference at the Roi Baudouin stadium. “It’s an exceptional feeling”he began. “It wasn’t a great match, but they say that a final is not played, it is won. The match started off difficult, with Antwerp quite robust. When we scored, we changed the dynamic slightly. We pulled back and played the counterattacks”analyzed Alexander Blessin about the match.
It’s time for celebrations now. “We are overwhelmed by emotions. It’s simply exceptional,” said the coach. “I have the best staff in the world, the club is fantastic and the players deserve it so much!”
On a personal level, Alexander Blessin experienced a precious moment with his wife, who fell ill last July. “It’s great to be able to share this with my family. My wife deserves it, she is part of me and this title is for her as much as it is for me. I told him so many things, that I loved him, when I got into the stand.” The Union has experienced several disappointments in recent years, but Blessin has not “never experienced this feeling of failure, of having one hand on the trophy. Many of the players had this experience. It’s striking, a feeling that comes out when we are in adversity. It’s human. Under pressure, we inflict even more on ourselves. We had to free ourselves from external influence.” The coach likes to play “amateur psychologist. It’s part of the job.”
In his first career in Germany, psychology was an integral part of the training. “I will never say that I am perfect, but it is important to learn from each match, not to be closed off. Every situation is new.” Asked about his scorer, Koki Machida, Alexander Blessin did not hide the color of his feelings. “I always loved him, ever since I arrived here. Plus, he only scores important goals! He had difficult times, but it was often due to a busy schedule and long trips. I believe and have always believed in him.”
Before leaving the press room, Blessin promised to “fall asleep with a smile on your face, probably after a beer.”
