2023-12-22 09:25:00
Anderlecht plays two matches very close to the Christmas holidays. This Saturday 23 then Wednesday 27. The celebrations take place under the sign of football among the Mauves. With one exception.
Brian Riemer allowed himself a small detour through Denmark. He will spend 15 hours there. “We are still training on the morning of December 24,” explains the Anderlecht coach. I then head to the airport with a planned landing at 4:30 p.m. in Copenhagen, where I will join my family. On the 25th, I got up very early to return to Brussels in the morning. Here in Denmark, the celebration takes place on the evening of the 24th. This year, there will be around twenty people. Everyone eats the same thing: Andesteg (roast duck) or Flaekesteg (pork in crust). We distribute the gifts following the meal.”
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Last year, I spent Christmas alone in my room in Tubize.
This decision follows the sad Christmas he had to spend last year upon his arrival in Belgium. “I was alone in a hotel room in Tubize. I ate a sandwich and watched football. It was my Christmas evening. Now it will be much better. I have already been able to put up an – artificial – tree at home. I live alone but I sometimes put on Christmas carols to set the mood. I lived in England for five years. There, the Christmas spirit is very present there.”
When he was T2 at Brentford, he celebrated Christmas in England given the sequence of matches. “I haven’t been able to spend the last three Christmases with my family. And I mightn’t ask my brother to bring his children to Belgium. It was too complicated because I’m not the only member of their family.”
Jan Vertonghen and Théo Leoni know that you shouldn’t overdo it at Christmas. © RSCA Studios
Anderlecht players must stay in Belgium
The players will not have the same generosity a few days before the last match of the calendar year. “They are not allowed to return to their country of origin. I’m sorry regarding that but I know most of it. Most of the players have their family here in Belgium or they bring them over. It’s easier. This kind of evening gives them energy. You have to be able to be more flexible on these days even if there are rules regarding food and alcohol. I am lucky to deal with a professional group. I will not worry regarding it.”
And who is preparing for the match? “I won’t miss anything that happens in Belgium. Everything will be prepared down to the smallest detail for my hours of absence. I will take advantage of the flights to finalize preparation for the match once morest Cercle. I will watch the opponent’s videos, etc. Everything is planned and I hope it will lead to a good performance once morest Genk.”
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