“I’m just looking ahead”

He hasn’t lost his laugh – even if it wasn’t to be for Olivier Deman and his dream of representing Belgium at the EUROs. “Obviously I was hoping to be there,” admitted the 24-year-old wideman, adding, “In the games ahead of the European Championships I was playing more often and even started some games, I didn’t play as much at Werder at the end of the season, but I had a good start here.”

There is plenty of competition for places on the left-hand side of that Belgium side coached by Domenico Tedesco. In the end, Yannick Carrasco, Jeremy Doku and Arthur Theate were ahead in the pecking order, and Deman was left out. But the Werder man is not getting bogged down, is leaving the past behind him and has set his focus on the new season. “I am still young and still have to improve in a few areas. Nevertheless, I have the qualities to play, so I don’t have too many concerns about that,” suggested the left-footed player.

Göz Atın

“I never would have dreamt of playing so many games”

Grüll back in partial team training

Euro play-offs and Nations League clashes

Having arrived at Werder shortly before the transfer deadline last season, Deman missed preseason last year, meaning the camp in Zillertal is his first experience of a preseason together with the Green-Whites. “I’m doing well and I feel good. The legs are obviously feeling heavy after the training camp, but that’s normal. With preseason, you are able to start from scratch and look to impress once again. That’s exactly what I’d like to do, so now I’m just looking ahead.”

The next challenge is coming up this Saturday, 03.08.2024 (16:00 CEST, 15:00 local time), with the Green-Whites travelling to play Coventry City. A smiling Olivier Deman will be among them.