Charleroi head coach Rik De Mil has thrown his full support behind Mohamed Koné, insisting the young Ivorian goalkeeper still has the club’s backing despite recent struggles between the posts.
The 22-year-old has come under increasing scrutiny as Charleroi’s hopes of finishing in the Belgian Pro League’s top six continue to fade.
A string of inconsistent performances has seen Koné face mounting criticism from fans and pundits alike, but De Mil remains steadfast in his belief in the shot-stopper’s potential.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Charleroi’s upcoming clash against Westerlo, De Mil highlighted the challenges that come with managing young talents in high-pressure situations.
“He is going through a difficult time,” De Mil acknowledged in comments reported by L’Avenir. “It’s normal.
We recruited a young goalkeeper, and while he has done many good things, people tend to focus only on his mistakes.
But let’s not forget he has saved the team on several occasions with some excellent stops.”
Koné, who joined Charleroi with high expectations, has struggled to maintain consistency this season, leading to questions over his readiness for the demands of Belgium’s top flight.
Despite the criticism, De Mil stressed the importance of mental resilience and expressed his commitment to helping the Ivorian navigate this tough phase.
“The most important thing is to understand his mental state,” the Charleroi coach continued. “I spoke to him about it.
It’s up to me to decide whether I should protect him or not. But one thing is clear—I don’t doubt his qualities.”
De Mil’s public backing comes at a critical juncture for Charleroi. After initially aiming for a top-six finish, the club now finds itself battling inconsistency and slipping down the table.
Koné’s form has been a focal point of discussion, but De Mil believes the broader issues facing the team require a collective response, not individual scapegoating.
This weekend’s fixture against Westerlo carries added significance for De Mil, who previously managed the club for part of last season.
The 18:15 kickoff at the Kuipje Stadium offers Charleroi an opportunity to reset and possibly reignite their push for a stronger league finish.
“Returning to Westerlo will be special for me, but my focus is entirely on Charleroi,” De Mil said.
“It’s an important game, and we need to approach it with the right mentality.”
For Koné, the match represents another chance to silence critics and regain confidence.
While the pressure is undoubtedly mounting, the faith shown by his coach could prove crucial in helping the young Ivorian rediscover his best form.
De Mil’s approach highlights a broader philosophy of player development, where nurturing mental strength is just as vital as refining technical skills.
In a sport often quick to judge, his patience and understanding may be the key to unlocking Koné’s potential.
As Charleroi looks to navigate the challenges of the season’s final stretch, the spotlight will remain on Koné—but with De Mil firmly in his corner, the young goalkeeper has been given a crucial lifeline.
