Peter Vandenemppt after the European defeat to Union: “I don't think it will have an impact on the competition”

No one at Union was expecting the 0-3 defeat at home to Fenerbahce, especially after the impressive performance in Frankfurt.

“Because of that match in Frankfurt, the expectations were probably unrealistic,” says Peter Vandenemppt. “But the fact that there is now disappointment and that we are surprised by this defeat basically indicates how much the level of the union has risen in recent years, also in Europe.”

Did the Union reach its limits last night? “Maybe to some extent. Because it's not that players who have been performing at a high level for several months will now suddenly be out of shape or lacking in confidence. In the initial phase, we saw Al-Ittihad as we know it.” “.

However, a better first quarter yielded no goals and Fenerbahce remained quiet. “I think last night Union basically ran into an opponent that combined many qualities. First and foremost, on a professional level,” says Vandenemppt.

“They controlled the game and did not panic. The ball moved well and the defense radiated confidence as well. They were very effective in attack.”

“Fenerbahce is simply a strong team with many qualities. Tadic may already be 35 years old, but at Union there is no one with his technical baggage. Union was not bad, but it could not have been good enough because of the quality of the opponent.” “.

Did they wake up with a hangover at the Union this morning? “It must have been a painful awakening,” Vandenemppt says. “Encouraged by their performance in Frankfurt, they probably thought something was possible in the conference league. I can imagine the disappointment was huge.”

However, Vandenemppt believes the European strike will leave no trace. “Union has always been able to respond immediately after a setback in recent years, so I don’t think this will have an impact on the competition. There is no reason for Union to think they can’t do it anymore.”

The EU program will also become a little lighter with the impending EU exit. “I will no longer field players who need to rest for the second leg. Of all the upcoming matches, this is now suddenly the least important.”

Did Fenerbahce also show Belgian clubs how to disrupt this union? “I think all the clubs in Belgium now know how to embarrass Union, but you also have to be able to execute it,” Vandenbempt points out precisely.

“If you want to fight this federation, you have to start matching their strength and be sharp in the duels. Fenerbahce did that from the start yesterday. Complete, sharp in the duels and quick when possible.”

Vandenemppt doesn't want to draw too many conclusions from yesterday's defeat. “They expected more and the disappointment will be huge. But I wouldn't say after losing to a really good team like Fenerbahce, that Union is now suddenly weak and in the doldrums.”