My Reaction After the Substitution Was Wrong
Just four years ago, Adriano Bertaccini (25) was sleeping in a tent with amateur players. Today, he is Anderlecht’s striker, carrying the club’s goal-scoring hopes. In this candid interview, he reflects on his unusual journey, his emotional recovery from injury, and his growth as a professional footballer.
Reaction to Substitution Incident
After his angry reaction when being substituted against KV Mechelen, Bertaccini faced criticism, including from former goalkeeper Frank Boeckx.
“He was right,” Bertaccini admits. “I was disappointed because I felt good and wanted to keep playing, but my reaction was out of line. I immediately apologized to my teammates afterward. It won't happen again.”
Seventeen-year-old Nathan De Cat even confronted him. Bertaccini said, “That surprised me — at 17, I'd never have dared that. It shows his leadership qualities. He's already a real leader.”
Playing Style and Endurance
Coach Besnik Hasi noted Bertaccini can’t last the full ninety minutes yet.
“That's true,” Bertaccini admits. “I don't know how to pace myself — I'm either on or off. When I'm on, I go full throttle until I drop.”
Team Unity and Support for Coach
The pressure on the coach was noticeable, but the team remains united.
“Hearing the boos before the match hurt. We're 100% behind him — you could see that in our response on the pitch.”
During a team meeting held without the coach, Bertaccini kept quiet.
Author’s Summary
Adriano Bertaccini shows maturity by acknowledging mistakes and highlights the strong team unity and his fierce playing style despite endurance challenges.