“A group like Union, that's what you play football for”: How exploring a leader goes beyond football

It's a time of celebration in the union. The team remains the unapproachable leader in the competition and achieved a European breakthrough by progressing at Eintracht Frankfurt. If it's taking that long, it can't be luck, as the members of 90 Minutes also know: “Their data system is very focused on the human level.”

In Germany they also know who the Union is.

Bilsen's side knocked Eintracht Frankfurt out of the Conference League last week and can also try to take a significant step towards the first prize since the big comeback tonight.

Philip Goss was in Germany for Sporza and noticed something when he met the subsequently suspended Charles Vanhout: “What I loved about him was that he was very happy. He didn't play and he was happy like others. You can see that in the spirit of this association.”

As coach at Charleroi with Felice Mazo, Dan Heymans is a privileged witness to Brussels' recipe for success. Thanks to Mazo, he was able to provide a glimpse into the mystery.

“They filter data from the top at Union for quality, but they also put a lot of effort on a human level. They really look at whether the player they want to bring in will fit into the group,” Mazo said.

“These are massive background checks that they always do,” says Heymans. “That's why it's been so successful for so many years in a row. You have to feel whether or not the person will fit into the existing group.”

According to Goss, the dilapidated Union Stadium also plays a role in this: “It's easier to know if someone is a fit if you can simply take them to Dudenpark and then say: ‘This is it. “This is us, we are unique.”

“You can see everything from the first reaction. Dowden Park is so special that you get a specific reaction. This is different from just another regular stadium.”
“I saw them entering the players' tunnel after the game in Frankfurt and I was jealous. You play football to be part of that.”

Let's wait and see if the people of Brussels will celebrate again tonight in the legendary Duden Park.