Belgian coach, Hein Vanhaezebrouck has expressed concerns over Raphael Onyedika’s discipline, suggesting the young midfielder must improve his behavior if he hopes to secure a future in the Premier League.
Onyedika, 23, received a red card for a reckless tackle during Club Brugge’s UEFA Champions League match against AC Milan on Tuesday.
Referee Felix Zwayer (GER) sends off Raphael Onyedika. (Photo by Domenico Cippitelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Nigerian midfielder now faces a possible three-match suspension in the competition.
Vanhaezebrouck, speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, emphasized the need for Onyedika to undergo proper counseling to address his on-field conduct.
“It is striking how many unnecessary red cards Onyedika has received in recent months,” Vanhaezebrouck said. “He should be sat down and spoken to soon.”
The coach added, “I hear he’s a special person, so someone from the staff should be able to get through to him. He’s been here long enough—someone should have connected with him by now.”
Onyedika has drawn negative attention recently, not only for his red card but also for unsportsmanlike behavior in last weekend’s match against Westerlo, where he clashed with his coach.
Vanhaezebrouck noted that this incident was a sign that Onyedika was mentally unprepared for the Champions League fixture against Milan.
“He is a very good footballer, no one doubts that, but he has to be more professional,” the coach added.
“Just think of the incident with his shoes in Westerlo. I actually find that worse than the red card. And those two yellow cards in three minutes in the European semi-final against Fiorentina last season were even worse. He needs to change that mindset.”
Vanhaezebrouck, who previously managed KAA Gent, warned that Onyedika’s lack of discipline could prevent him from making the jump to the Premier League.
“At this rate, he will never make the step to the Premier League,” Vanhaezebrouck said.
“The red card was justified, and he will likely face a suspension of two, maybe three matches. It’s bad for him and for the team.” He concluded.
