Bart Vertbruggen: In Brighton we want and aim to win every game we play
Bart Vertbruggen spoke to England365 and Dimitris Manakos, after the victory of Netherlands against the Greek national team, at the OPAP Arena that all but sealed the place off Oranje at Euro 2024. The Brighton goalkeeper underlined the importance of the win and hailed the performance of his team and pointed the finger at the the inadequate pitch that the game was played while he did not miss the chance to mention that he is leaving his dream in Brighton!
Exclusive By DIMITRIS MANAKOS
The match between Greece and the Netherlands is over, the "Oranie" have won 1-0, thanks to Virgil Van Dijk's goal in the 90th minute and everyone is excited, as they know that the decisive step for qualification has become a reality .
Many Dutch people agree to talk to Greek journalists, but Bart Vertbruggen is special. I approach him, I explain to him that I also work for wearebrighton.com and he is impressed that a Greek knows about Brighton, writes about it and watches it from so far away.
He accepts to talk and talks about everyone and… everything. It looks like an interview. He answered all sorts of questions, from Holland's win and the poor pitch to what he's experiencing at the Amex alongside Roberto De Zerbi.
He even maturely avoided commenting on the objects that were thrown on the field, with him declaring that the Netherlands knows how to win, even without playing well. As for Brighton? "We're going to take the games one by one and wherever it takes us." Simple, pleasant, honest.
Read Bart Vertbruggen's England365 interview with Dimitris Manakos:
Bart congratulations on the win. First, I would like to ask you about the Dutch victory. How important is it to you and how did you experience the match against the Greek National Team?
"I think the atmosphere was excellent. I liked the stadium to be honest, as a stadium. But the grass was in a terrible state. Not good at all. We struggled a lot. But we proved that we have a fighting spirit. We fought, we don't just know how to play well. We did it and we are very happy with the three points."
Do you think this was the most important step for the Netherlands' qualification to EURO 2024?
"I believe that. When we made the trip to come and play in Greece, we knew how important it was. We tried hard to get the three points. We were lucky to score in the 90th minute. It was special. We can enjoy it.”
The truth is that the reaction of the Greeks to the goal was not the best possible. Do you have anything to comment on this?
"I didn't like what happened at all. However, at the same time I understand that football also has these moments. There are feelings, many times you get away. But this shouldn't happen. I'm happy because we won, that's why I won't pay too much attention to it!"
I would also like to ask you about Brighton, as I also write for Wearebrighton.com. What is it like working with Roberto De Zerbi and what are your first experiences in England with the "Seagulls"?
"It is a privilege for me to work with him. It has helped me and is helping me a lot. I have learned so much from him, I am very happy to be there. The team is great, the club is great, I have fantastic teammates. De Zerbi is excellent!”
What were your first thoughts when Brighton asked to join them?
"It was a dream come true for me. You saw what they did last year, they finished in the top six, we are in Europe for the first time in the history of the club! I came to the team at a very special time for them. I was excited and I'm so happy to be back there after the Greece match."
What are your personal goals for the current season, but also Brighton's aspirations?
"Personally, I want to help the team as best as I can. Game by game. I do the same in training. As for Brighton, we want and aim to win every game, regardless of the opponent. We'll see where that takes us over the course of the season."
