Vercauteren: "Legear is no defender"

The press were very enthousiastic about the first game of Jonathan Legear on the right back-position, but coach Franky Vercauteren is very clear. He wants a new right defender to join the team.


Althought Anderlecht lost against Greek side Panathinaikos Athens, the Anderlecht squad was positive. "It would be better if we had won, but the team has grown", said coach Vercauteren. "It is important for the young players to gain experience against good competitors. And that's quite difficult in Belgium."

Vercauteren played with only three defenders in Greece: Deschacht, Vadis Odjidja and Vanderhaeghe. "I just had to try this defence. I had not enough defenders, and Vanderhaeghe isn't even a defender. Also Vadis Odjidja is a midfielder. I also wanted to let some players rest. Tchité is exhausted, Boussoufa is playing for the national team next week. I wanted to test some players and also wanted to see Mbo in a game like this", explained Vercauteren.

Two youngsters played a terrific game. Jonathan Legear made a good performance on the right back, but Vercauteren does not want to keep him there. "That is not an option on the short term. I want a real right defender", he stated. Also Vadis Odjidja played remarkable, eventhough he is only 17 years old.