After te 3-1 win over OHL, we gathered reactions from Hans Vanaken, Bjorn Meijer, Nordin Jackers and coach Ronny Deila.
Hans Vanaken: “Well-deserved victory“
Club Brugge won 3-1 against OHL and by this victory is now one hundred percent sure of participation in PO1. For this, it could count on Hans Vanaken who scored the 2-1 with a clever free kick.
“My effort indeed went in quite nicely but especially the timing was crucial," the Bruges captain opened his account. "In the first half, although we had the ball a lot, we hardly created any chances. And with the 0-1 you realize that the task will only get more difficult. Fortunately, our equalizer fell before halftime and that turned out to be the first turning point in the match. Just after halftime we get away well and after my goal Bjorn manages to score the 3-1 almost immediately. Such tipping moments determined the result today. Anyway, after the 3-1 and with a double bonus you can play a little more freely. So all in all this is a deserved win.”
Still, Vanaken did not remain blind to some shortcomings in Blauw-Zwart's play. "To say that we played a world class game now would be heavily out of line. And I cannot deny that we are in a difficult period and that it remains a process of trial and error. Last weekend we scored a pleasing but exaggerated victory on a visit to Genk, while last Thursday we went head-to-head in Norway. Yet we do our best and try everything to get a good result every time. I understand the criticism of the supporters, but on the other hand we need their support. So also next Thursday, because against Molde everything is still up for grabs.” (MV)
Bjorn Meijer: “Must be able to withstand pressure”
Club certainly didn't play its best game, but in the end it won deservedly over OH Leuven. Bjorn Meijer was by all means satisfied with his two goals.
"The first half we didn't play well," the Dutchman admitted afterwards. "But with luck my cross fell into goal at the hands of their goalkeeper. In the second half, we played with a little more confidence and you see that we can definitely play soccer. For example when you see Hans Vanaken's free kick go in and a few minutes later I was able to score my second of the afternoon. That made the score 3-1 and the win was as good as in for us. Of course we felt the crowd was very short on them today, which of course is understandable after the lost game at Molde, but we are footballers and must be able to withstand that pressure. And yes, next Thursday there is no other option but to qualify for the next round in Europe and we will all go for that, that much is certain." (FDC)
Nordin Jackers: “Victory is deserved for sure”
Once again Nordin Jackers in the Bruges goal as Simon Mignolet was not quite fit to play again.
"I think we recovered well after the defeat in Molde," were the Bridge goalkeeper's first words. "And already certainly that we can win two league games in a row is definitely pleasing.To be honest, we felt no extra pressure today, at least that's my personal opinion.Of course we were also very disappointed Thursday night, but we recovered well today.We had a minor moment in the first half when Leuven went ahead 0-1, but we recovered fairly quickly.In the second half it was on and on, so our victory was definitely deserved.Next Thursday will be different, of course, as we had hoped for a small victory or a draw.Things have turned out differently now, but rest assured that we will be there against Molde." (FDC)
Ronny Deila: “We must build on this”
Club Brugge picked up an important three-pointer against OH Leuven to secure a spot in the Champions' Playoffs.
"We are going through a difficult period," said Ronny Deila. "There has been a lot of criticism and that obviously affects the players. They very much want to play well and get good results, but that criticism creates extra pressure. Moreover, we had little rest after the midweek match and we fell behind. Then you have to be mentally strong to hit back. But we did. We played well organized, had control, played well together and showed a lot of discipline. That gives us confidence. We have to build on that. Now Thursday we must try to do even better against Molde, then we definitely have a chance to advance. In the first half we had a lot of ball possession but few chances. In the second half we were able to pick up the pace, thanks in part to good substitutions from Sabbe and Skóraś. We did it as a group today. All that matters now is good performance and results. And putting things in the right perspective."
In the end, it was captain Hans Vanaken who was able to give Club the lead. "Hans is tremendously strong, even in the last few games he was constantly leading the way. He is a legend of Club Brugge, along with Simon Mignolet. I am very happy to have players like him in the team. He is a great player, not only literally."
Next Thursday already follows the next important assignment. Then Blue-Black will try to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Conference League against Molde. "Simon possibly returns and hopefully Nusa and Thiago as well. Anyway, De Cuyper and Onyedika are also back after their suspension. We also hope Balanta can resume soon." (SF)
Rewatch the press conference with our coach here: