Charles Vanhoutte (27) made the move to OGC Nice from Union Saint-Gilloise earlier this summer and made his debut in last weekend’s 1-0 win over FC Nantes, winning the man-of-the-match award. The Belgium international has now sat down with Get French Football News to discuss his move, his ambitions in this World Cup year, and his role at his new club.
Vanhoutte on joining Nice
“I think at Union, I was at the end of a cycle. I won everything there: the league, the cup, the supercup. It was time to make the step to a higher league, to a top-five league. Here, there are lots of teams playing in the Champions League. I fought to come here. When Nice called me, I told them (USG) that I wanted to go there.”
“I spoke with the manager. I was immediately convinced […] There were talks with USG, with the management; I respect them; they respect me. We had a good discussion. At the start, a departure was non-negotiable; the door was closed. I asked them to make an effort for me, for what I did for USG. They respected that. They said, it’s late in the window, but we’ll see what we can do. They found a replacement. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be able to come here. But in any case, I was a winner. Either I’d come here and play in a better league and in the Europa League, or I’d stay at USG and play in the Champions League. In the end, it’s destiny. I’m here now, and I am happy.”
Vanhoutte on Belgium and World Cup ambitions
“By coming here, I think I have increased my chances [of being at the World Cup], but everything depends on my performances. Already, it is a higher-level league, and there are more people who will see me. But the World Cup isn’t in my head yet. I just want to play well, and what happens with the national team is just a bonus. “
“Have there been discussions with Rudi Garcia? Not before [the move] but when I joined, we spoke a bit, not just with the manager, but also with his assistants. They have worked a lot with teams in France. He top me it is a very good league with lots of good teams and that, physically and technically, it is a step up. They were happy with my choice.”
“I was 26 when I got my first Belgium call-up. I think I have had an atypical career. I struggled when I was younger (due to his physique, which saw him repeat U15 level). I never thought I would be able to do what I am doing now. The ambition is to stay hungry. If someone had told me that I would go on to play at Cercle Brugge, where I had signed… it is never enough. You always want more. That is my ambition, my mentality.”
“I’m not thinking about the World Cup yet, though. I’m thinking about the club. We are in three competitions and we have to go as far as possible in each, with the squad that we have. We have a strong team with good depth and competition. I just want to win as much as possible in the team.”
Vanhoutte on his role at Nice
“I am not someone who shouts, but I am a winner, and I hate to lose. I will always say things to my teammates to help. We have quite a young defence, apart from Dante. But there are still little things to improve and I tell them that because I also need them because, being just in front of them, I need them to communicate things. I just want to show my mentality.”
“I had a talk with the manager (Franck Haise). He really explained how he wants us to play, in and out of possession, and when we lose the ball. It was very clear. He hasn’t asked me to do anything specific. He has just asked me to play my game and help the team. I have a vision of football that matches his. Helping isn’t just defending, but also when we have the ball, offering an option. That is important.”
“I knew that there were good players here, but what has surprised me here is the quality of training sessions and of the players. We have a great team and we’ll need everyone in the coming matches.”
GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Nice
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