Hans Vanaken: “There was clearly more to it”
For the fourth time in a row, the Bruges city derby ended in a draw. Although captain Hans Vanaken could not really reconcile with the result.
“On the one hand, we should be relieved with that one point, but on the other hand, not because there was clearly more to it,” the Limburger opened his argument. “Especially in the second half, we had plenty of opportunities to take full control of the game. I think we hit the goal frame three or four times and a possible penalty was converted into a free kick. Moreover, a goal was disallowed before the break. So yes, we could and should have scored more than once today.
And the midfielder continues… “However, we started the match with difficulty, because we had some difficulty with the high pressing from the home team. Even though we were not sharp enough ourselves. In the second half we came out much better under their pressure and were also able to threaten more from the flanks. It’s just a shame that it ends with just that equalizer. Moreover, we also have some bad luck. This also applies to my free kick against the crossbar. From that position it is almost impossible to curl the leather directly into the target, so I opted for the hard bang. I immediately felt that I hit the ball well, but unfortunately my attempt was a little too high.”
When asked what ambitions Club still has in these play-offs, the Golden Boot was clear. “We want to gain as many points as possible and finish as close to the top as possible. Today we deserved the three points, but unfortunately it was not allowed. Next Sunday we will be hosting Anderlecht and we will have to look for revenge after what happened to us in the regular competition. But hey…we just have to do our own thing.” (MV)
Denis Odoi: “We were under-rewarded offensively today”
Blauw-Zwart played a draw in the away derby against city rivals Cercle. At half-time, Denis Odoi was substituted injured.
“I tried to head the ball, but I lost my balance and overextended my knee. Tomorrow we will see if there is more to it.” Club completely dominated the second half and hit the goal frame three times. “We should have always taken the three points here. We had enough chances to score at least two goals, but the ball wouldn’t go in. However, we have to focus on this for the rest of the play-offs and build on this further.” .”
“In the first half we were able to play a few times as we wanted to play, but in their half we were not dangerous enough. In the second half we also created opportunities. Offensively we were not rewarded enough today, while defensively we made few mistakes. We only made a mistake on their goal. We know that they are dangerous on stationary phases and were even talking about it this morning, but if one person steps out of line too quickly, you cancel offside. We have to close that phase analyze well and make agreements.”
Club starts the play-offs with a draw and remains third in the standings. “Our ambition is to win every match and then we’ll see where we end up. Under coach Hayen we try new things in training. Today, for example, it was very clear how we wanted to play,” concluded the experienced right back. (EV)
Nicky Hayen: “Second half is really something we can build on”
In his first match as Club’s interim coach, Nicky Hayen saw a weaker first half, but a strong second half.
“It was a very intense match and very interesting for the neutral spectator,” the interim coach began his analysis. “I didn’t think our first half was good, but it wasn’t super bad either. During halftime I said the following to my group: if you bring 80% quality to the ball against a team that puts 100% pressure, then that quality should increase Then every ball control must be good and every connection you make must be good to play in between. There were a number of moments in the first half in which we played that well, but not enough. If you see how we played out in the second half, come into the dressing room and that we hit the goal frame three times in just the first 10 minutes, then you see the real Club Brugge rise again. That is also what we want to stand for, namely moving forward, bringing attacking football and creating opportunities. Today we had 21 shots inside the box (therefore not all on target) and this is a high number. The efficiency aspect may still be a little too little, but the second half is really something we can build on and something you can actually have to try to last 90 minutes. This is the analysis that we also gave to the group during halftime through images. I also said, even though they took the lead, that a match lasts 90 or 95 minutes. I really had the feeling that if we equalized, we would still go over it. If you see how we kept pressing in the last minutes… There were several times in the past that we doubted whether we were going to go for that point or for the win. We want to win and this is also the culture to win and I think you saw that in the second half for 45 minutes straight. The fact that the last throw-in was not allowed and that the players reacted unpleasantly to it today showed the hunger to win that match. That really makes me feel good.”
Ultimately, it was substitute Skov Olsen who equalized for Club. “Of course I am pleased that Skov Olsen scored, but it doesn’t matter to me who scored. Every player is equally important. What made me very satisfied was the fact that I spoke to every player in advance (including the benchers). ) and explained what the intention was. And no…I don’t expect all players to agree, but they did respect my opinion. When I see how they (De Cuyper, Nielsen, Skov Olsen and Jutglà) all four raids, then that is a real game changer for me. I also didn’t hesitate to bring them on time, because if it’s necessary, it’s necessary. In principle, the intention was to spare Skov Olsen a bit or to contribute ideas based on his injury. However, when the need is great, you know that you can count on creative people. Then I am happy that he scores for his confidence, but also to show how important he is for Club Brugge,” concludes a satisfied interim coach. (TM)
