Tunisian striker Hamdi Harbaoui, who has been a standout player in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League since the 2011-2012 season, is currently the top scorer with eight goals in nine matches for Sporting Lokeren. In an interview with RTBF, Harbaoui discussed his position as the top scorer, his club, aspirations for playing in England, and his thoughts on the Tunisian national team.
Regarding being the top scorer, Harbaoui stated, “Will I still be at the top of this ranking at the end of the season? Maybe. I would like to keep this status, but there are other good attackers. Batshuayi, Suarez, Santini, I’m not the only one who started strong. I don’t know if the attackers have become stronger or if the defenses have become weaker.”
He added, “I haven’t set myself any specific goals in terms of goals. I don’t put pressure on myself with that. The less I think, the more I score.”
On potential moves to Russia or Turkey, Harbaoui mentioned, “We talked about Russia or Turkey, but there was no concrete offer. In any case, I was too hot to leave Belgium. I have not been contacted by the top clubs in Belgium either. I had two exceptional years with Lokeren. And I started the third year well. I’m waiting for my wife to give birth first, and then we’ll see.”
Expressing his desire to play in the Premier League, Harbaoui said, “I want to play in the Premier League like all the attackers who have my profile. I would just like to find a good club.”
On the Tunisian national team, he acknowledged the past issues and mentioned, “It’s a sensitive subject. A lot happened during the CAN, and it was a very bad experience for me. The atmosphere was unhealthy. Players were starting when they shouldn’t have been. Now things have changed. There is a new coach Ruud Krol. Will I return to selection? I will decide in the coming days.”
