Exclusive: Daniel Van Buyten Barely Satisfied With Juventus Champions League Draw
Daniel Van Buyten has spoken to our exclusive partner Starsmade.com to discuss the start of his season, his future at Bayern Munich and the various changes made in the Belgian squad...
Oct 3, 2009 11:42:37 AM
Bayern Munich’s Belgian international defender, Daniel Van Buyten, spoke to our exclusive partner, Starsmade.com, after the scoreless Champions League meeting with Juventus. He spoke not only his life in Germany, but also changes in the Belgian national side and the rest of his career.
How do you feel after the game between Bayern and Juventus?
Daniel Van Buyten: Even 48 hours later I still am pondering it! I wanted to beat Juve - we could have, but we did not. We should be alone in the lead with six points, but we only have four like the Bordelais. It’s not surprising though, is it? The first half left us especially frustrated. We dominated but we did not put the ball into the net... it happens. Even the little lob from Franck [Ribery] passed over [the bar] when I has already raised my arms....
What could’ve made the difference?
DVB: In a game like this, when you dominate without scoring much, you often lose the thread and the enemy becomes stronger over the course of time. The risk, then, is to be caught on the counterattack. Fortunately, we held them back. I had to deal with [Vincenzo] Iaquinta and Amauri, dangerous customers. But okay, I feel good right now, even if I know that in Turin, it'll be another game, another atmosphere.
How do you explain that you are playing on the right in the team just now?
DVB: I am often asked why [Holger] Badstuber starts as opposed to another. I’ll give you my opinion: [coach Louis] van Gaal arrived saying, ‘In the centre I want a right-sided player on the right and a left-sider on the left.’ And Badstuber is the only left-footer… That is why he will probably quite often be the preference of the coach. And that's how I found myself on the right when I have more often played on the left in recent years.
What precisely do you think of Badstuber?
DVB: He’s 20-years-old, Holger, and he is constantly progressing. He’s good. But going back [Martin] Demichelis, Breno is there and the competition will be hot, believe me.
How do you see your future at Bayern?
DVB: I recently replied to a reporter who asked me if I planned to stay at Bayern. I said, ‘Yes’ and immediately in the press, it became, ‘Van Buyten wants to extend his contract at Bayern’. There is nothing serious in all this, of course, but that is how history is written. .. To tell you the truth, we will meet - Uli Hoeness, my agent and I - after the international break, that is to say, in the second half of October. We will watch the situation calmly as usual. And we'll see.
Speaking of Bayern, what difference has Louis van Gaal made since his arrival?
DVB: Many people ask if there is ‘a Van Gaal method’. I will not deny that many players were very worried when we saw a man known to be cold, authoritarian and ruthless. Upon his arrival, the coach has actually imposed some new rules for living and working. He gives confidence to those he considers the best, but he requires them to give everything in return. When a player has been below what he expects, he does not blow out much. He will explain what was wrong with his game and he will maintain his confidence. Even in training, if you make an error, he makes you do it again. He's a pro through and through. He respects the players, and he commands respect.
It is obviously very tempting to make the connection with another Dutch coach, Dick Advocaat, who has taken the reins of the Belgian squad...
DVB: Like any coach who arrives from abroad, he has the keys to the house. He is fostering a new climate. He will be a great help, just like Marc Villmots, with whom I played in the national team. As for me, if he wants to give me responsibility, I will take it with pleasure. It's time. I am 31-years-old and still have the same enthusiasm when I put on the jersey of les Diables. The next World Cup is in 2014 and I will be 35. I want Belgium to participate. With or without me. But preferably with ..
A final word?
DVB: I'll have to leave you. I was rather talkative, right? But I must share some secrets with my fans. After playing in Cologne on Saturday, we will return to Oktoberfest on Sunday. The team will be in lederhosen as tradition dictates. Sure we'll have a good time, even if I am drinking beer without alcohol ... So if you go by there...
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