Mark van Bommel hails the Red Devils' success in the Nations League
Mark van Bommel was over the moon on Friday evening at the Olympic Stadium in Rome after leading the Red Devils to a 0-2 victory over Italy on the first matchday of the Nations League, his first match in charge of the Belgian side, according to the EPA agency.
During the press conference, the Dutchman praised the mentality and the way his team played. He added that this was achieved after only four days of collective training. The press release text included the phrase “Add us to your Google favorites.”
Almost 100 % satisfied
“And that after only four days together. You could say I’m almost 100 % satisfied with this win, but there are always things to improve,” said Mark van Bommel. He recalled that the process started on Monday, that he first instilled intensity and then worked on the system after two days.
The first half was very good, the Red Devils gave away few chances and were enjoying themselves. In the second period, Italy played more between the lines, the intensity dropped and Senne Lammens made a decisive save early in the second half.
The Red Devils assert themselves in Italy, a brilliant start for van Bommel
Decisive changes
Van Bommel brought on Dodi Lukebakio, scorer of Belgium’s second goal. He reminded that Dodi had already scored against Benfica in the Europa League ten days earlier. The coach highlighted the depth of his squad and his intention to play him regularly.
The schedule includes four matches in ten days, which leaves no one time to play the full 90 minutes at full intensity. Mika Godts opened the Belgian scoring, matching up against Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and Van Bommel urged him to keep persisting even after several setbacks. Kevin De Bruyne, who was on the pitch for about an hour in midfield, provided several through passes; he noted that his intensity and availability were top‑notch.
Bommel opens the Belgian era with a dazzling victory in Italy
Leandro Trossard, of Besiktas, is suffering from a bone edema in his heel, and Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders has a slight quadriceps injury. Van Bommel confirmed that they will not be available on Monday and that their progress will need to be closely monitored.