Belgian coach Ives Serneels suggests that Sweden show quarter-final “nervousness”
Belgian coach Ives Serneels has suggested that Sweden’s counterpart Peter Gerhardsson may be nervous ahead of the team’s quarterfinals in the European Championship 2022 on Friday.
Gerhardsson has reportedly been reluctant to talk too much about his side ahead of the clash in Leigh Sports Village to prevent Belgium from gaining an advantage.
Serneels claims that this would not matter because he has already done his own research on the team’s last eight opponents.
“For me, that’s not the point,” Serneels told reporters at a news conference. “It is his idea to say what he wants, but I know what we are going to do tomorrow and that is the most important thing.
“I do not know the information, I am not afraid that information will go to the other side.
“It’s football. It’s a quarter final in the European Championships. Maybe it shows a little nervousness on the other side. For me I see no problems.”
The winners will face tournament hosts England in the semi-finals next Tuesday.
Serneels acknowledges that his team will have their work suspended against the team that is ranked second in the world.
He said: “We will try to be ready from the first minute. Sweden has very good physical aspects in their game, so we will try to have a good plan.
“They played a good first round and every girl on that team has strong individual qualities.”
Sweden topped Group C after following up a draw against the Netherlands and a close 5-0 victory over Switzerland against Portugal.
Belgium finished second to France in Group D with four points.
Gerhardsson insists that he does not take anything for granted against a Belgian team that has impressed him.
He said: “You can talk about a national team, you can talk about a league team (club). The more days you have together, the more you become like a league team.
“Belgium, of the four teams we have met so far, I think they are most similar to a league team. They are best organized both in defense and attack. They look like a league team with quality players.”
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW