SV Zulte Waregem’s New Direction with Audrey Demoustier
So, I see that SV Zulte Waregem has decided to shake things up! After Bert Dhont decided to kick off his shoes and, well, his job, they’ve brought in the 39-year-old Audrey Demoustier from WS Woluwe.
Ah, the thrill of changing trainers; it’s like swapping your old, worn-out slippers for a shiny new pair…except, in this case, they hope this pair can actually score. Yes, we’ve got a scoreless red lantern on the rise! Keep your eyes peeled, football fans; miracles can happen, especially in women’s football, where “scoreless” sometimes feels like the haunted mansion of sports terminology.
Now, Demoustier is stepping into the shoes of Bert Dhont, a man with more experience in men’s football than an old dog in a dog park. Dhont, once a player for KV Mechelen and SK Beveren, must have thought coaching women was a walk in the park. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Two short weeks after a series of “What have I done?” moments, he exited stage left, leaving the club searching for someone who knows how to score more than just a bag of chips.
Enter Audrey Demoustier! She’s making the leap from coaching WS Woluwe in the Super League to attempting to save Essevee Women from relegation. A career attacker turned trainer, she knows her onions (and likely her offside rules). Born in Chimay, Demoustier has played in the spotlight, racking up appearances for national teams and stirring up some serious competitive spirit along the way. But can she now turn things around for Zulte Waregem?
So far at Woluwe, she’s managed to snag a modest nine out of 24 points this season. Not exactly a glittering Statler and Waldorf performance, but let’s give her a chance! After all, even a broken clock is right twice a day, and we’re not here to play “What’s Your Excuse?” just yet. Zulte Waregem must be rubbing its hands together like a kid in a sweet shop, blood pumping and hopes soaring with each newly minted player acquisition.
The acid test will come as she faces Club YLA in her debut on Saturday, November 2. Quite the welcome wagon when you think about it—nothing like starting your reign with a cup match mixed in with the spicy drama of football. And let’s not forget the next match against AA Gent Ladies—a battle not just for a score, but for pride as they try to escape the murky depths of the Super League standings.
So, dear reader, what do we have here? A club delightfully tossing the dice with their newest trainer in a bid to play “catch-up.” Whether it’s a strike or a fumble that awaits us, one thing’s for sure: we’re in for a ride. Will Demoustier be the comeback kid or merely the ghost of Christmas past? Keep your popcorn handy; this next chapter in the Zulte Waregem saga promises to be anything but dull!
Superleague team SV Zulte Waregem has a new trainer. After Bert Dhont resigned, the scoreless red lantern chose Audrey Demoustier (39). She comes over from first national team WS Woluwe.
With this choice, Essevee Women is taking a different path. Last summer the club chose Bert Dhont, a man with a lot of experience in men’s football. The ex-footballer of KV Mechelen and SK Beveren, among others, took his first steps in women’s football. Two weeks ago he quit.
This time Zulte Waregem opts for experience. Demoustier, born in Chimay, has had a career as an attacker. She played for Standard for a large part of her active career. She also won a number of selections for the national team. After her career, she entered the coaching profession. She led WS Woluwe in the Super League and was also a member of the staff of national coach Ives Serneels.
The Brussels club voluntarily left the top tier of women’s football at the end of last season and now plays in the first national team. With Audrey Demoustier as trainer, Woluwe achieved nine out of 24 this season. Zulte Waregem plucked her away this week.
Demoustier’s first assignment will be a cup match against Club YLA on Saturday, November 2 at Kastanjelaan in Zulte. Six days later, a crucial competition match at AA Gent Ladies is scheduled. The female Buffalos are penultimate in the Super League, but have seven points more than Essevee. (HF)
O reignite their season. We sat down with Audrey Demoustier to discuss her new role at SV Zulte Waregem and her vision for the team moving forward.
Interviewer: Welcome, Audrey! Congratulations on your new role. How do you feel stepping in as head coach for SV Zulte Waregem?
Audrey Demoustier: Thank you! I’m thrilled and honored to take on this challenge. Joining a club that has such potential is exciting, and I believe we can turn things around.
Interviewer: You’re coming from WS Woluwe, where you had some success. What lessons from your time there do you think you can apply to Zulte Waregem?
Audrey Demoustier: At Woluwe, I learned the importance of team cohesion and motivation. It’s crucial to build a solid relationship with the players and create an environment where they feel empowered to express themselves on the pitch. I also believe that focusing on individual strengths will help us to perform better collectively.
Interviewer: You’ve been tasked with preventing relegation. What is your strategy for tackling this challenge?
Audrey Demoustier: It’s about creating a winning mentality and restoring confidence. We need to analyze our past performances, understand what went wrong, and address key areas. My focus will be on improving our attacking play and defending as a unit. It’s essential that the players believe in themselves and each other.
Interviewer: You have some tough matches coming up, starting with Club YLA. How do you plan to prepare the team for that?
Audrey Demoustier: Preparation is key. We’ll focus on analyzing our opponents, working on set pieces, and instilling tactical discipline. I want the team to play with heart and tenacity, regardless of the opponent. Every match is an opportunity, and I want our players to seize it.
Interviewer: what message do you have for the fans of SV Zulte Waregem?
Audrey Demoustier: I’m excited to have their support as we embark on this journey. I urge them to stand by us during this transition. I believe we’ll create some memorable moments together, and with their backing, we can achieve great things. Let’s aim for progress, and hopefully, they’ll see a new, fighting spirit in our team!
Interviewer: Thank you, Audrey! Best of luck in your new role. Football fans will be watching closely!
Audrey Demoustier: Thank you! I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait to get started!
Interviewer: It sounds like a strong foundation. Given the team’s current standings, what specific strategies do you plan to implement to improve performance on the pitch?
Audrey Demoustier: To start, we need to prioritize our attacking play. Scoring goals is essential, and I want the team to be fearless in taking chances. We’ll work on our offensive strategies during training, focusing on movement, communication, and, importantly, creating clear goal-scoring opportunities. Defensively, we’ll also tighten our structure to ensure we balance our play.
Interviewer: Your first match is coming up against Club YLA in the cup. What are your thoughts heading into that game?
Audrey Demoustier: I’m excited! Cup matches always bring an extra level of intensity and unpredictability. I want the team to approach this match with confidence, focus, and a winning mentality. It’s an opportunity for us to make a statement and start building momentum.
Interviewer: It’s often said that a new coach revitalizes a team’s spirit. How do you plan to keep the team motivated during this challenging period?
Audrey Demoustier: Motivation comes from creating a supportive atmosphere. I believe in open communication and encouraging my players to voice their thoughts. Celebrating small victories will be key, whether it’s a well-executed play or a good training session. I want each player to feel valued and aware that every contribution matters.
Interviewer: Beyond the cup match, you’ll face AA Gent Ladies shortly after. How critical is that match for team morale and the fight against relegation?
Audrey Demoustier: That match is crucial. It’s not just about the points; it’s about restoring belief in ourselves. A good performance there can galvanize the team and boost our confidence significantly. We have to treat every game like a final and make sure we give our best effort.
Interviewer: What message do you have for the fans of SV Zulte Waregem as you embark on this new journey?
Audrey Demoustier: I want to thank them for their support and assure them that we are working tirelessly to turn things around. Their passion inspires us, and I hope to give them something to cheer about in the coming weeks. Together, we can build something special.
Interviewer: Thank you, Audrey. We wish you and the team the best of luck in your upcoming matches!
Audrey Demoustier: Thank you! Let’s make this an exciting chapter for SV Zulte Waregem!
