A few post-match reactions after the lost Super Cup against Union.
Hans Vanaken: 'Intensity too low in the first half'
The first real test of the new season was a missed opportunity for Club. For Hans Vanaken there was definitely a chance to draw level and then go to penalties.
'In the end we came close to scoring the equalizer', the captain said after the game. 'I believe our intensity was too low in the first half. We weren't dominated, but we should have done better in the duels and we were not industrious enough which made it difficult to find the space. We did that better in the second half. Perhaps our goal came a bit too late, eventhough I think we deserved a draw at least. The penalty? I don't think it should have been given. The VAR check lasted four minutes - you know what that means. And Simon (Mignolet) almost kept it out, but unfortunately it went in.'
'Union is a very tough opponent if they grab the lead. They are well-organized and keep a low block, focussing on the break. Despite all that I think our defence was solid tonight. We've tried to turn it around after conceding the second, but it's too bad we couldn't. We know that we are not completely ready yet, but I think we're on the right track.' (FDC)
Nicky Hayen: 'Everyone should look themselves in the mirror'
Club Brugge lost 1-2 to Union, so no first prize of the season for Blauw-Zwart.
Coach Nicky Hayen was disappointed, but saw good things in the last half an hour. 'Union showed more desire and passion during the first sixty minutes, so that's dissapointing. We needed more intensity and movement off the ball to beat a team like Union. We played better in the last thirty minutes, so we can build from there. We know that everyone has to be fully committed, only then can you see our true colours. Is this an alarm bell? Absolute not, yet we need to figure out what happened during that first hour. Everyone should look themselves in the mirror. Perhaps that's a bit harsh already, but I want us to be ready right from the start of the season.' (SF)