Timothy Castagne on Belgium’s loss to Egypt: “We weren’t in the right places”
The Red Devils start their World Cup on Wednesday against Canada. Their defeat against Egypt (1-2), Thursday in a friendly in Kuwait City, revived the debate on the fragility of their defense in the transition phases but also the management of depth. The Leicester defender, who wins on the right flank, but can also help out on the left, believes that the Belgians did not respect the instructions and that this oversight will allow them to be more vigilant during the test in Qatar.
“How did you experience the post-match against Egypt and the criticism that accompanied a period preceding the World Cup?
We haven’t looked at the comments too much. The important thing is to fix the two or three little things that caused the problem during this match. And that it doesn’t happen anymore during the tournament. I prefer that it takes place now and not during the World Cup.
“We need to talk to each other a lot more. We missed it a lot against Egypt.
What issues are you talking about?
Communication. We need to talk a lot more. We missed that a lot against Egypt. The rest are positions. We weren’t in the right places. A bit everyone. That’s a problem. It gets more complicated.
Have you seen the second Egyptian but where you are involved?
I especially look at what I could have done better. On a phase had the same (alignment of the offside line very high near the kick-off line) a few minutes after. I played offside and the opponent got caught. It’s especially dangerous to play it there. It is enough that the line is not perfect. Afterwards, it’s complicated especially if the pass is so short. You don’t have much time to react.
After the meeting, the coach was part of his dissatisfaction with the collective approach. Did he point it out to you?
He showed it to us during half-time. Afterwards, we did not talk about the match again. He wants to let us cogitate without him. Then he will bring his consignments.
“When you arrive at the stadium, with the supporters, you get back into the World Cup atmosphere”
You are very far from the center of Doha in your new hotel (90 km to the west, near the border with Saudi Arabia). Is it important to take a step back from the event?
I prefer that to having to travel 40 kilometers there and back to get to the daily training grounds. Here it is quieter. It leaves room for recuperation, group life, tactical work. We are well sealed off.
Is it beneficial or do you regret it?
It can only be beneficial. It’s a great hotel. There is a place to watch the matches all together. When you arrive at the stadium, with the supporters, you get back into the World Cup atmosphere. But it’s important to take advantage of a few days to recover together between meetings.
Did the presence of the King of Belgium at the beginning of the week then his humorous exploitation in a clip surprise you?
We knew he would come to see us. The video pleasantly surprised me. He reveals another side of him that we rarely see. It’s a way to reveal how we are, we Belgians (self-mockery), our character. My beloved family.
“I just want to make the most of this World Cup”
You impose yourself on the right flank, is it a revenge of your Italian period?
I changed a lot after my time in Italy (2017-2020 at Atalanta Bergamo). Tactically, I took a few steps thanks to my Italian coach. Even here in the national team, I learned a lot. England is a different Championship. There is a lot more intensity, duels, physical elements. My passages in all the Championships (with Belgium in Genk) improved me in all facets.
Your accident during Euro 2021 (double fracture in the face against Russia in mid-June), is it forgotten?
When I see the images again, I don’t really have any regrets. I just want to make the most of this World Cup. I come back with greater motivation because I couldn’t finish my first big tournament with the national team. (he had to forfeit). I immediately remember asking the doc if I could continue. I had not seen my face at that time. I had experienced a lot of disappointment because I knew I was out of the game for the rest of the tournament.
How do you appreciate being used on the right as well as on the left?
I prefer on the right but I know I can play both sides so I don’t mind. It is an asset of power valued on both sides”