The Red Devils have undergone a major transformation in the past year. After the failed World Cup in Qatar, Roberto Martinez said goodbye and Domenico Tedesco appointed a new national coach. The German also significantly rejuvenated the playing group.
This also created opportunities for boys who were largely ignored by Martinez. For example, two of the big winners of the coaching change are Dodi Lukebakio and Wout Faes. They were regularly part of the selection under Martinez, but they hardly got any playing opportunities.
Faes gets a lot of confidence from Tedesco
Tedesco did give them an important role and they blossomed last year. Lukebakio was regularly decisive in the European Championship qualifiers, while Faes formed a permanent duo with Jan Vertonghen in defense. The Leicester defender explains what the big difference is.
“Tedesco gives me a lot of confidence. The first time we met, he took me aside and said: ‘I see a lot of potential in you’,” Faes reveals. Eleven Sports. “I also like his style. It is a dynamic way with high pressure and aggressive defense. He is also very straight forward. Clarity and confidence, those are two important words.”
Little communication with Martinez
Then the status of Faes was completely different before. “Under Martinez I joined the selection quite late. I think the group had already been formed and then you always remain one of the new boys,” he said. “It was frustrating to never even get my chance. That makes sense because he has his established values and I understand that he gave them more attention. But for me it was a blessing that there was a breath of fresh air.”
Faes has a good chance of also being the champion at the European Championships, although he will still face stiff competition from Zeno Debast. He seems to have scored good points during the friendly matches in March and also has the advantage of playing alongside Vertonghen every week at Anderlecht.
Tags: Faes points difference Tedesco Martinez
