Union Saint-Gilloise Prepares for Champions League Clash with Newcastle

Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise are gearing up for a crucial Champions League match against Newcastle United on Wednesday, as coach Sebastien Pocognoli emphasizes the need for peak performance from his team. Following a successful opening group phase match where Union triumphed over PSV Eindhoven 3-1 on September 16, 2023, Pocognoli is urging caution and focus as they prepare to face the English side.

Setting Expectations High

At a pre-match press conference, Pocognoli refrained from assigning a specific percentage to Union’s chances against Newcastle. Instead, he stressed the importance of being fully prepared. “But we’ll set the percentage as high as possible,” he remarked, highlighting the need for his players to exceed their usual capabilities. “We have to be more than 100 per cent and be there from the very first second,” he added.

When asked about the possibility of another surprise victory, Pocognoli remained pragmatic, stating, “We’ll take it match by match, but Newcastle is a new challenge to see where we stand in the European league.” His comments set the tone for a match that he anticipates will be physically demanding.

Facing a Strong Opponent

Pocognoli acknowledged the formidable qualities of Newcastle, describing them as a team that possesses both strength and skill. “I don’t think there are any secrets about their qualities. They’re a team with a lot of strength and a lot of quality on the ball,” he noted. This awareness of their opponent’s capabilities underscores the preparation needed for Union, who are making their debut in the group phase of the Champions League.

Union Saint-Gilloise, based in Brussels, achieved a historic milestone last season by winning the Belgian title for the first time in 90 years. Currently, they hold a commanding six-point lead in the Belgian Pro League after nine rounds of the new season, setting a positive backdrop as they enter this prestigious competition.

The match against Newcastle will serve not only as a test of Union’s abilities but also as a measure of their growth on the European stage. As the players prepare for the challenge ahead, the focus will be on delivering their best performance to secure another positive result.