Staying positive, working and 'fighting, fighting...' were the key themes from Mathys Tel as he spoke after his impressive cameo almost took us to victory as it ended 2-2 against Manchester United on Saturday.
The young forward took just four minutes to make his mark off the bench. Trailing 1-0, but on top in the second half, Senne Lammens in the United goal denied Cuti Romero and Joao Palhinha but could do nothing to stop Mathys’ quick turn and shot to fire us level on 84 minutes.
Richarlison sent fans into raptures when he cleverly diverted home Wilson Odobert’s shot on 91 minutes, but, alas, United pulled it back in the final seconds when Matthijs de Ligt levelled from a corner.
Speaking to us afterwards, Mathys was all about taking the positives. “The reaction in the second was very positive, we showed a great mentality,” he reflected. “I would say we deserve to win this game because we gave a lot. For sure, it’s disappointing, but I would say we need to stay positive because we didn't lose.
“We knew we needed to give 100% energy, defensively and offensively. That's what we tried to do in the second half and that's why we scored the first goal and the second one. It was a good reaction from the team. It's a good point to take, so stay positive.”
Speaking about his impact from the bench, lifting the stadium, Mathys added: “I listened to the stadium. I was very happy because that was, I think, an important goal. That's what I try to do every day, just try to work and help the team. I'm very happy about the goal and I will every day try to help the team.”
Where did that mentality of coming back from setbacks come from? “I would say from my family and where I was born. It doesn't matter what happened in your life. It doesn't matter what emotion you feel - just stay positive, try to fight every day and you will get what you want to get. It's always about fighting, fighting...
“We just want to stay positive because after the international break, we're playing again, Champions League, Premier League. We don't have time to think about something else... just make sure we’re ready.”