”I feel a sense of pride in a duty accomplished and to enter the professional world through the front door with a champion title, it's magicalbegan Frédéric Taquin. We have made a big difference in recent weeks by showing consistency and managing to weather the storm in November while remaining calm, and in the end we are rewarded for our efforts. I understand the agitation there was regarding the results, because the expectations were enormous. But on our side, we knew that we worked hard and well. We let the storm pass and we saw the bright spot in December. We went to pick him up at the end of that month. At the end of the day, I think we got a 48 out of 51, it's just extraordinary. There is just this defeat against Heist which is a bit of a task despite a big match, but that's football.”
Compared to last season when the Wolves started this one well before cracking in the second round, during this campaign, they were six points behind Lokeren before reversing the situation. This time, they did not fail to make a difference.
”We had a lot more experience in the series. We had a more balanced core and everyone was professional in the team, which allowed us to work professionally. From that, we had time to work and put things in place, and that’s what made the big difference from last season.”
This is the third title since the rebirth of the club seven years ago, this one has a particular flavor since it allows access to the professional world.
”Indeed, because it is the outcome of what we absolutely wanted. This last barrier was difficult, because there were many good teams. We were able to do it brilliantly. I also have to thank Lokeren who pushed us to improve week after week. The first title in D3 was terrible, but this one is just magical because we reach a new level before new ambitions. Seven years ago, few people believed in this project. The craze grew little by little. Without these two covid years, we could have done it before. So, we will count five seasons and three titles. The work done is fantastic. When we see everything that is happening around us, the club is moving forward slowly but surely, even if it remains at a good speed. Everything is well thought out, everything works well.”
Full of ambitions, the RAAL does not intend to stop there, and has time to prepare for the next competition.
”We are not going to skip the stages, the ambitions will be to have a quiet season and then we will see what we can hold on to. We have time to work on all of this starting tomorrow, even if we have already been doing it for many weeks. First we will celebrate, then we will be sick, and then we will think about it.”
A great success for a coach with an atypical career path, climbing each rung of the Belgian football hierarchy year after year. From the fourth provincial to P1 with Villers la Ville before arriving at the RAAL in D3 ACFF for the result that we know.
”I had never been part of a professional staff before. I searched for everything with the tips of my nails. It's a great pride, I thank all the staff who accompanied me, as well as all the managers who trusted me”, said Frédéric Taquin with great pride and emotion and we understand it.
