Van Damme: "Critics didn't bother me"

Jelle Van Damme was criticized of after the game against Racing Genk, but he played a solid match against Standard de Liège last weekend. "Those critics didn't bother me at all", states the defender now.


"The game against Standard was my best performance in the shirt of Anderlecht. The atmosphere, the pace, the tension, it was just perfect for me. I have to try to keep up this shape now. Do people criticize me? I will stay a controversial player all my career. But I don't doubt about my skills and I only pay attention to the opinion of the coach and myself", says Van Damme.

Jelle Van Damme plays sometimes central, sometimes on the left side. "I'm able to play on several positions, I don't really mind that. I think I make a good duo with Mark De Man. We are also very good friends. People say that our defence is bad, but look at our national team: our players are also there in the defence. It can't be that bad then."

The defender stays realistic about the chances of Anderlecht in the Belgian league and in the Champions League. "We only had 11 matchdays, so it's a bit early to make any conclusions. We still have everything in our own hands, also in the Champions League", reacts Jelle Van Damme.