After the game against Anderlecht, we lined up Hans Vanaken, Simon Mignolet and Michiel Jonckheere for their views on what had been an excellent Club performance at the Lotto Parc.
Hans Vanaken: "Won by our own merits"
Maturity. That's the key word after the narrow win at arch nemesis Anderlecht for Club. Three vital points allowing them to start next weekend's final match day as leaders. Hans Vanaken, however, realizes a possible nineteenth national title is still far from locked in.
"In theory a point suffices in next weekend's derby, but that's also where the danger lies. A city derby is always a gruelling affair, and I'm sure Cercle Brugge will want to make things particularly difficult for us," the midfielder said in a first reaction. "Once again, it will be a matter of clearing our heads, recovering well and gearing up for that very last game of what has surely been a very testing season. At the start of these play-offs, no one would have dared to dream, but we had nothing to lose. After our win at De Bosuil we found ourselves in a situation where we actually did have something to lose, which went to show in that last game against Union. 23 out of 27 is realy unlikely but we are in a good flow which allows us to play a little easier and freed up."
The press wanted to know whether Vanaken expected a more fiesty Anderlecht today. Club's skipper turned it around, seeing it from a different perspective. "I think it was just by our own mefits that we kept Anderlecht from playing their usual game. We took control of the game from the opening minute, with lots of possession and we deservedly scored that opener. We then had chances for that 0-2 and this really would have cut them off completely. From a tactical viewpoint, we were very strong and didn't give away any chances. Even in added time Anderlecht was never really able to threaten. We earned this result ourselves and this puts us in a wonderful situation, it's now up to us to finish it next weekend." (MV)
Simon Mignolet: "We are nowhere just yet"
A beaming Simon Mignolet also did not shy away from the many post-game questions. "I think there is no discussion about our victory, although the margin was small and details decided on this match. Both teams were under a lot of pressure, making this a rather closed game. But tactically things were in tiptop shape for us. We were in clear control in the first half, and the 0-1 at halftime was deserved. After the break we never really got into trouble and had a number of chances on the break to finish it off. Unfortunately we failed to do so, and then it's always a matter of playing it out until that final whistle blows. And we did; the win came thanks to our intransigence and an incredible fighting spirit."
When asked at halftime whether Nicky Hayen had asked for some more security at the back, the Bruges goalkeeper was very clear. "Not at all, he even indicated to keep looking for the 0-2. On the other hand, you know Anderlecht will be putting some higher pressure and it was important for us to read the situations well and make the switch from there. We are obviously doing a good job in view of the title with this vital win, but at this moment we still have nothing. One last mission awaits us next weekend against Cercle." (MV)
Michiel Jonckheere: "A victory of the team"
Booked twice in just a matter of seconds, Nicky Hayen was sent to the stands, making way for his assistant Michiel Jonckheere on the bench, and leaving him the final words afterwards.
"It is unfortunate that Nicky was sent off, he had not shouted anything offensive. By the end of the game, we were in survival mode, trying to break away. We managed to do so, but unfortunately it didn't lead to a second goal. But we didn't get into any more trouble either. Everything was carried out as requested, giving us a mature victory. Above all, this was a victory of the team."
The win means Club Brugge now only need that one point in next week's derby against Cercle to claim its nineteenth national title. "It's important to maintain the focus. We know who we are playing against, a team that always goes for it one hundred percent, but we have to show respect for Cercle Brugge and the road they have taken." (SF)