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“I’m not a cheat” – Coventry City man responds after former manager’s harsh comments

Coventry City‘s Norman Bassette has hit back at Steven Defour for criticising his overall behaviour while at KV Mechelen. The 21-year-old had spent the 2023/24 season on loan at the Belgian club from Caen. Defour was in charge when he…

By Naveen Ullal · Sport Witness

Published: Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 9:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Norman Bassette has rejected former KV Mechelen manager Steven Defour's claims about his attitude, stating he is not a cheat.
Defour claimed on the 90 Minutes podcast that Bassette trained poorly and behaved selfishly during their time at Mechelen.
Bassette highlighted that his performances improved significantly under successor Besnik Hasi after Defour departed the Belgian club.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Coventry City forward Norman Bassette has responded to sharp criticism from former KV Mechelen manager Steven Defour, stating that he is not a cheat. Defour claimed on a podcast that the 21-year-old trained poorly, acted selfishly, and described himself as a match player rather than a training player during their time together in Belgium in 2023.

Speaking to DAZN in Belgium, Bassette explained that Defour's comments affected him and pointed out his improved form under successor Besnik Hasi. Bassette, who is currently on loan at KVC Westerlo with an option to buy, has scored seven goals in 10 matches this season and remains under contract with Frank Lampard's Coventry side until 2028.

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“I’m not a cheat” – Coventry City man responds after former manager’s harsh comments

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