Thorgan Hazard, the Swiss Army Knife of Belgium: “It’s not easy but I like this change”
Injured and forfeited, Thorgan Hazard missed the final phase of the League of Nations lost by Belgium in early October (2-3 against France, 1-2 against Italy, 3rd place). He should regain his place in the left lane of 3-4-2-1 against Estonia this Saturday in Brussels.
“In what state of mind do you find the Belgian selection?
Good and positive. I missed the last two rallies due to injury. It had been a while since I had returned. And it allows me to see Eden again (son brother). We’re here to finish the job and qualify for the next World Cup on Saturday.
What is your physical level?
I feel much better. I had problems at the start of the Championship. I dragged this pain for six weeks. Little by little, the coach (Marco Rose) put me back on the team. I wanted to come back faster. But in the end, this method did me good. It was better to take it slow. I found legs. I played 90 minutes in the last match (lost 1-2 in Leipzig). During this time, I watched the friends from a distance. It’s always a bit difficult.
“And again, in the last game, I did the second left-back period in a flat four defense …”
How do you see the losses in the League of Nations?
Everyone was disappointed. We hoped to win this first trophy. There is only one winner. There were four big teams. It was played out on small details. We have a magnificent first period against France. Then they jostle us in second and we offer them gifts. We will have to relaunch on Saturday.
Do you understand the relative disenchantment that the Red Devils are now subject to?
It’s normal to be disappointed, for the public to get impatient. I also expect a lot from my team. Before, it was difficult to qualify for the big tournaments. Now it has become normal. On sees as long as possible. We try to go to the end. France, Italy, Spain or Belgium were all able to win this League of Nations. But for that, everyone has to be there, that there are no injuries and that the details tip in our favor.
In Dortmund, the coach replaced you in a more axial position behind the striker …
And again, in the last game, I did the second left-back period in a flat four defense … He asked me if I had already done it. No. But he used me in this post. With me, it’s always the same because of my versatility. When there are people absent, they call on me. I try to do my best. I play left winger, right winger, in support of the striker. It’s not easy but I like this change, to move everywhere, to learn. “