Younès Belhanda, who was part of the Montpellier team that won the last Ligue 1 championship in France, acknowledges that both his individual performance and the team’s overall level have declined. He attributes this decline to various factors, including the challenges of recovering from the title, player departures and arrivals, and a change in the team’s mindset.
Belhanda notes that there has been a shift in the team’s mentality since winning the championship, describing it as becoming “a little more gentrified” after achieving such a significant feat. Adjusting to changes and maintaining the same level of motivation and commitment can be a challenging aspect for teams following a title-winning season.
The Moroccan international is aware of the criticism he has faced, particularly regarding his participation in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). Belhanda expresses a desire to address the criticism on the field and acknowledges that he was affected by the negative feedback. However, he emphasizes that the criticisms go over his head, and he aims to silence them through his performances on the pitch.
It’s a common challenge for players to cope with expectations and criticism, and Belhanda’s determination to respond positively on the field reflects his commitment to overcoming adversities and proving himself through his football abilities.