Nicky Hayen: “Those coming on helped make the difference”
A good start from Nicky Hayen's team today, followed up with a weaker period, but in the end a deserved 3-0 after a solid second half helped Club go past the Round of 8 hurdle presented by OHL. “Not our best game. We didn't deserve that lead at half time. We just weren't agressive enough in our duels, allowing them to push through too easily. OHL definitely deserved that equaliser. We managed to make up for that in the second half, and deserve to go through on the basis of what we showed then. That second half should be the reference of what we want to bring. The crowd wasn't as huge as we are used to, it was cold, circumstances were different from playing in a sold out venue. But that energy, intensity, that minset should always be something we can bring from within.”
The spot in the Semis means Club now plays Anderlecht, Genk, Juventus and Manchester City in the coming weeks. Talk about your hefty schedule. “Which is why we are happy to see our substitutes come on so well. They helped create the difference. That should be our strength in the coming weeks. We will be rotating whenever it's necessary. Keep those who deserve to play on, but also allow others to come on to give them more opportunities. Depending on the opponent, obviously. We have always managed to maintain that balance so far, so we have to try and keep going along those lines.”
Nordin Jackers: “When I play, I want to do so as well as I can”
Nordin Jackers seems to be the GK of choice in the Belgian Cup, manning goal again after he did so against Bilzen and Patro earlier on.
“A mature game from our part. Things went in both directions a bit too much in the first half, allowing them some chances. Things turned out better in the second half, and we played it out well”. Thwarting OHL on a number of occasions, Jackers definitely had his share in today's qualification. “When I play, I want to do so as well as I can, but the less work I have, the better, obviously. We are going through, and that's what matters most.”
“I would be happy to be GK No 1 in the Cup, but that's not set in stone. The gaffer decides who gets to play. It's always a matter of getting back in the rhythm after some time off. The first half goes to show, but I do believe we deserve this victory. As to our next Cup game against Genk, it will be a matter of taking some more stepst to be ready”, a combattive Jackers concluded.