1-1 in the Bruges city derby. We had a talk with captain Vanaken, Odoi and coach ad interim Hayen.
Hans Vanaken: "Clearly more was in it"
A draw was the result in the City Derby, and this for the fourth time running. Not exactly the result captain Hans Vanaken had hoped for.
“On the one hand, we should be happy with just this one point, but on the other hand more was in it for us. Particularly in the second half, when we had plenty of chances to come out on top. I think we must have hit the woodwork three or four times, and a possible spot kicked turned into a free kick. To boot, we had a goal canceled out in the first half too. So yes, today we really should have scored more than once."
“We took a bad start to the game, having a hard time adjusting to their high pressing. We also weren't focused enough at that point. We were able to withstand that pressure in the second half, and also threatened through our wings. It's a pity we only scored that equaliser. We also had our fair share of bad luck, e.g. my free kick hitting the crossbar. From that spot, it's almost impossible to curl it in, so I went for the hard shot. I immediately saw I had a good touch to the ball, but unfortunately it went a tad too high.”
When asked where the ambitions lie for Club in these Play-Offs, the skipper is clear. “We want to grab as many points as we can and end as high as possible. We deserved the three points today, but unfortunately it was not to be. On Sunday there's the Anderlecht game, and we will be out for revenge for what happened to us here in the regular league. But oh well, we just need to do our own thing, really.” (MV)
Denis Odoi: "Did not grab what we derved today"
Succumbing to an injury, Denis Odoi was taken off at half time in the City derby.
"I tried prolonging the ball, but lost my balance and overstretched the knee. We'll see how bad it is tomorrow." Club was in full control of the second half, hitting the woodwork three times. "We always should have won this one. Plenty of chances to score at least two goals, but it just wouldn't go in. It's a performance we can build upon, however, something we need to take into the remainder of the play-offs."
"In the first half, we were able to play our usual game, but once we were on their half we just weren't dangerous enough. In the second half we added the chances. We didn't claim our rewards today in attack, while we were hardly at fault in defense. We did falter when they scored, however. We knew they were strong in textbook situations, and even discussed it at length this morning, but when one player leaves the line too quickly, you lift the off-side trap. We should make a rigid analysis of that situation and set things straight."
Club holds on to third place after a draw. "Our ambition is to win every game and then see where we'll end up. We've been trying some new stuff at training under coach Hayen. It was very clear how we wanted to player here today", Club's experienced right back concluded. (EV)
Nicky Hayen: "Second half was something we can build upon"
Two sides to the first team as coach ad interim for Nicky Hayen: a weaker first half followed up with an excellent second.
"A very intense game, thrilling for the neutral observer. I reckon our first half was not good, but also not super bad. At half time, I told my group: when you bring 80% quality against a team with 100% pressing, you just need to lift that quality. Every single control needs to be right, and every connection you make needs to be perfect in order to play out of that pressing. There were some moments in the first half when we handled that well, but just not enough. When you see how we started that second half, hitting the woodwork three times in the opening ten minutes, that's when you see the real Club Brugge stand up. That is also what we stand for, playing forward, bringing attacking football and creating chances. Today we had 21 shots inside the box. It shows that we lack a bit of efficiency still, but that second half is something we can build upon, something we need to try and hold on to the entire ninety minutes. It's the analysis we also displayed at half time through footage. I also told them that, even if they take the lead, a game is 90 or 95 minutes of play. I really felt like we would still overtake them if we could just equalise. When you see how we just kept pushing in those final moments of the game... We have had to take the decision before: holding on to that point or going for the win. We want to win, and I reckon it was in display the entire second half. The fact that we weren't allowed that final throw-in, and the way my players reacted, it just goes to show that they had that eagerness to still reel it in. That leaves me with a satisfied mind."
In the end it was Skov Olsen scoring the equaliser for Club. "Of course I am happy to see Skov Olsen score, but as such it's not important who scores. Every player is equally important. What pleases me a lot, is that I had spoken with each player individually (also those on the bench), and explained them my intentions. And no, I do not expect of my players that they all agree, but they did respect my opinion. When I then see how they all came on (De Cuyper, Nielsen, Skov Olsen and Jutglà), that's a real game changer to me. The original idea was to spare Skov Olsen, or to think in terms of his injury. When the tide is high, however, you just know you can count on creativity. It pleases me to see him score, also to boost his confidence, but also to show that he is still so important for Club Brugge", a satisfied coach ad interim concluded. (TM)