Hall of Fame in safe hands with 2 goalkeepers: “Trainer first chooses a good goalkeeper”
With Jean-Marie Pfaff and Michel Preud’homme, two goalkeepers were immediately inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Pro League yesterday. The keepers thought it was a great initiative and great recognition. “Appreciation and respect is important in football and society,” Pfaff said.
The Hall of Fame currently consists of 10 players who colored Belgian football. The fans decided that it didn’t have to be just attacking players. With Jean-Marie Pfaff and Michel Preud’homme they voted 2 legendary goalkeepers into the list.
“I think it’s wonderful about the Pro League,” said Pfaff after the presentation of the golden jackets. “They looked to estimate the value of the people. The winners are also an honor for the Pro League, because they organized this. I am very proud to have been there right away.”
“That means that you have meant something to Belgian football. Beveren, Bayern Munich, Italy ’80, Spain ’82, France ’84 and Mexico ’86. The people are not blind either, it is very nice that they were able to participate in this initiative.”
We have all proven something here and laid the foundation of Belgian football.
Jean-Marie Pfaff
“It is a step further for Belgian football. Appreciation and respect is important in football and society. This is of enormous value and we must all contribute to it so that it becomes even greater.”
“It is an example of what a footballer can do, from nothing to a world star, because we have all proven something here. They have laid the foundation of Belgian football. I have such a jacket from Bayern Munich and now this one too, I I am very proud of it. It shows the sustained effort in my life and career, for which I am grateful to all the people who have brought me here.”
Pfaff himself would have voted for 2 other goalkeepers, legendary goalkeepers. “If I really had to name 2, I would choose Christian Piot or Fernand Boone.”
Michel Preud’homme: “Great recognition”
Michel Preud’homme and Christian Piot had the same legendary name. He also added Jean Nicolay, not coincidentally two goalkeepers who played for Standard and the Red Devils.
“They were the two goalkeepers of the national team before Jean-Marie Pfaff and I arrived. So Piot was an example for us.”
Preud’homme finds it a great appreciation that the fans have chosen 2 goalkeepers for the Hall of Fame. “Often the majority goes for attackers, but the trainers first choose a good goalkeeper. So this is a great recognition and I am very proud.”
The Pro League is growing and they take the time to organize things that deal with the essence of football.
Michel Preud’homme
“When you see which names were among the 50 nominees and then to be among the first 10, that’s fantastic. During a career, and certainly afterwards as a trainer, you get criticized and then you think that people don’t like you that much. have, but now it appears that it does.”
As a director of Standard, Preud’homme often worked closely with the Pro League, but he sees that this initiative is taking a different path.
“Then we had a lot of meetings about TV money and problems to solve, but the Pro League is growing and they take time to organize these things that are about the essence of football: the (old) players.”
“It is a great initiative and I am very grateful. They have developed an idea that everyone is positive about.”
Related:
Hall of Fame in Safe Hands with Two Legendary Goalkeepers
Ah, the Hall of Fame! The exclusive club where those who’ve tucked their trousers into their socks get the ultimate recognition—golden jackets! And who better to don these fine garments than Belgian legends Jean-Marie Pfaff and Michel Preud’homme? That’s right; the Pro League has decided that it’s not just center-forwards rounding the corner for glory—goalies can be rock stars too!
Valuing the Unsung Heroes
Pfaff, with his impressive career stretching from Beveren to Bayern Munich and international competitions from Italy ’80 to Mexico ’86, stated, “Appreciation and respect is important in football and society.” Now there’s a man who knows words can be as powerful as his glove saves—unless he’s trying to catch a brick, in which case, good luck!
And what’s that? A goalkeeper Hall of Fame you say? It seems a bit like celebrating toothpaste for its minty freshness when we all know the real star is the toothbrush! But let’s not get too cheeky here—these titans of goalkeeping were voted for not just because they had incredible saves but because they truly laid the foundation for Belgian football. Who knew a pair of gloves could hold such weight?
“It is a Step Further for Belgian Football!”
Pfaff proudly declared—“We have all proven something here and laid the foundation of Belgian football.” Dropping a line like that feels a bit like dropping a mic, doesn’t it? The fellow is practically owning the pitch like an ancient gladiator surrounded by cheers in a coliseum. Talk about kicking goals! (Pun intended.)
“It is a step further for Belgian football. Appreciation and respect is important… This is of enormous value.” – Jean-Marie Pfaff
Goalkeepers Preud’homme’s Perspective
The legendary Michel Preud’homme, who’s also basking in this newfound glory, pitched in with his thoughts, recalling how his predecessors, like Christian Piot, had set the stage long before they graced it. And here’s the kicker: he believes that often the majority go for strikers, but coaches “first choose a good goalkeeper!” In other words, behind every glorious goal is an unsung keeper catapulting the ball back into play!
The Essence of Football
Preud’homme also delivered a powerful commentary on the growth of the Pro League, stating, “They take the time to organize things that deal with the essence of football: the (old) players.” Ah, to be recognized for the beautiful chaos that is football! While most of us shout at our TVs like armchair coaches, it’s these gentlemen who faced the thundering boots on the pitch.
“They have developed an idea that everyone is positive about.” – Michel Preud’homme
A New Era of Appreciation
In a world where attacking prowess often gets all the limelight, it’s about time we shine a light on the defenders of the goal. This Hall of Fame induction is just the kickoff needed to remind us all—without a solid net behind the offense, the whole football house comes crumbling down!
So, let’s hear it for Pfaff and Preud’homme! Not just for their dazzling saves or decision-making skills, but for proving that even the ones who stand between the posts can earn their plaudits in the vibrant tapestry of football history. So the next time you see a goalkeeper diving dramatically to save a shot, remember, they’re not just saving goals—they’re saving football’s dignity, one glove save at a time!
Hall of Fame in safe hands with two legendary goalkeepers: “A good goalkeeper is essential for success.”
Jean-Marie Pfaff and Michel Preud’homme were honored yesterday with immediate induction into the Pro League’s Hall of Fame, celebrating their illustrious careers between the posts. This recognition was warmly embraced by the goalkeepers, who view it as a significant gesture in the fabric of football. “In both football and society, appreciation and respect carry great weight,” remarked Pfaff, emphasizing the importance of such acknowledgment.
The Hall of Fame now features ten individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Belgian football, with fans recognizing that not only attacking players deserve accolades. The voting placed Pfaff and Preud’homme, two extraordinary goalkeepers, among the honored few who shaped the sport’s history in Belgium.
“I find the Pro League’s initiative to be magnificent,” Pfaff noted after receiving his golden jacket. “Their decision to recognize the value of individuals truly reflects their commitment to honoring contributions to the sport. I am filled with pride to be part of this important moment.” He underscored that their inclusion signifies a lasting legacy in Belgian football, highlighted by his experiences with clubs like Beveren and Bayern Munich, as well as representing Belgium in multiple World Cups. “The public’s recognition is gratifying; it demonstrates that they appreciate our contributions to this beautiful sport,” he added.
We have all proven something here and laid the foundation of Belgian football.
Jean-Marie Pfaff
“This is a significant advancement for Belgian football,” Pfaff declared. He reiterated that appreciation and respect must be cultivated both in football and broader society. “This moment holds monumental value, and we should all strive to enhance it further.” Pfaff reflected on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an international icon, thanking those who supported him along the way. He also mentioned legendary goalkeepers Christian Piot and Fernand Boone as deserving of similar accolades.
Michel Preud’homme: “Great recognition”
Michel Preud’homme expressed his respect for legendary goalkeepers Christian Piot and Jean Nicolay, both of whom previously served as essential players for Standard and the Red Devils. “They were the predecessors in the national team before Jean-Marie Pfaff and I took the stage. Piot was certainly a role model for us,” Preud’homme shared.
He highlighted the significance of fans choosing two goalkeepers for the Hall of Fame, stating, “It’s often the attackers who receive the most acclaim, yet it’s the coaches who initially prioritize selecting a competent goalkeeper. Thus, this acknowledgment serves as a remarkable recognition, and I couldn’t be prouder.” Preud’homme measured the weight of the honor by reflecting on the impressive roster of nominees and feeling valued among the top ten selections. “It’s incredible to be recognized after years of dedication and despite the criticisms faced during my career, particularly as a coach,” he noted.
As part of Standard’s leadership, Preud’homme frequently collaborated with the Pro League, witnessing a promising evolution. “We previously engaged in numerous discussions regarding broadcast rights and other issues, but now the Pro League is developing in such a way that they are investing time and energy into initiatives that highlight the essence of football: celebrating former players,” he commented thoughtfully.
“This initiative is a wonderful step, and I am genuinely thankful. The concept they have created garners positivity from everyone involved,” he concluded, appreciating the mindset shift in how football’s historical contributors are being honored today.
Related:
Ecognition”
Michel Preud’homme echoed Pfaff’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of recognizing the contributions of goalkeepers in football history. He fondly recalled the influences of past greats like Christian Piot and Fernand Boone, revealing how their legacies inspired him and shaped his own illustrious career. Preud’homme stated, “They were the two goalkeepers of the national team before Jean-Marie Pfaff and I arrived. So Piot was an example for us.” This admiration for his predecessors reflects a deep respect for the roots of Belgian football and the foundational role goalkeepers play in a team’s success.
Reflecting on the importance of the recent Hall of Fame induction, Preud’homme expressed pride in being part of a selection that honors not only strikers and midfielders but also the stalwart defenders of the goal. “Often, the majority goes for attackers, but coaches first choose a good goalkeeper. So this is a great recognition, and I am very proud.” His acknowledgment of the fans’ choice emphasizes a shift in how the contributions of goalkeepers are perceived in the broader narrative of football.
As both men bask in this recognition, they are not just celebrating personal achievements; they are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of goalkeepers to be celebrated alongside their attacking counterparts. Their induction into the Pro League Hall of Fame is more than a personal honor; it’s a significant step towards elevating the status of goalkeepers in the sport.
The Pro League and the Future
Looking to the future, Preud’homme acknowledged the growth of the Pro League and its commitment to honoring the essence of football and its players. “The Pro League is growing, and they take the time to organize things that deal with the essence of football: the (old) players.” He applauded the league’s initiative, affirming that such efforts cultivate a respectful environment that values the contributions of all players, past and present.
This newfound initiative is not merely about recognizing past successes but also about inspiring the future of Belgian football. With iconic goalkeepers like Pfaff and Preud’homme at the forefront of this movement, the Hall of Fame now stands as a testament to the importance of every position on the football pitch, showcasing that glory is not reserved solely for strikers but also belongs to those who guard the net.
