van Hecke: I am excited for future with Albion

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Defender signed new deal with us last week.

Nick Szczepanik

2023-12-19T06:00:00Z

Jan Paul van Hecke applauds the Albion fans at the Emirates.

A 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal was not the way Jan Paul van Hecke would have wanted to celebrate the award of a new contract. But he was still in a positive mood after the match at the Emirates Stadium and grateful to head coach Roberto De Zerbi for his part in the Dutch defender’s progress.

“I’m really happy at the club, playing a lot and I think I’m in good form so I’m very happy about it [the new contract] and looking forward to the future,” he said. “Roberto has helped me a lot and is making me a better player every day so credit to him and hopefully I can keep going.

“I just try to play every game at my best and tell myself I need to be better than my last game. I step onto the pitch with a lot of confidence, but not too much. I try to be eager and become a better player.”

Roberto De Zerbi and Jan Paul van Hecke together after the defender committed his future to Albion

He hopes the team can return to winning ways in Thursday’s trip to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace. “Now we can focus on that one and of course everyone knows how important it is for the fans and the club. We’re looking forward to it and hopefully we can go there for the win.”

Jan Paul was in no mood to make excuses for the loss at Arsenal, although some members of the media pointed to possible burnout after the emotional 1-0 victory over Marseille, as well as the continuing series of injuries, Joel Veltman limping off at the Emirates to be replaced by Jack Hinshelwood.

“Of course we gave a lot of energy against Marseille on Thursday because we really wanted to win that game but I think everyone was still ready to play,” he said. “We played some good football against Arsenal but it was a difficult game and not how we normally play. We defended our box really well but to concede from a set piece is hard to take.

The Dutchman's new deal runs until 2027.

“Both goals were a bit unlucky for us but we could have scored to make it 1-1 with Pascal. It would not be deserved but we could steal a point like teams do to us at our place sometimes. It would have been nice if that happened but it didn’t and you have to say Arsenal were the better team.

“It has been a good experience for everyone, playing almost every three days, but we have had loads of injuries as well. We have suffered a lot because of the busy programme and when you see someone going down it hurts you a bit.

“It’s not an ideal situation and it doesn’t help us but Jack did really well when he came on and credit to everyone who is ready to play. Now it should be quieter so hopefully we can have a good run of games.”