Philippe Clement: "Disadvantage of not being able to make five substitutions"

Philippe Clement saw his team face another wall. It was finally David Okereke who was able to demolish the Jerseys wall on the hour.

"I thought we started well," Clement said. "You know there will be a solid block on the other side. We got through a few times, but just couldn't finish the chances. Things ran better in the second half. Especially also because Okereke took position better than Dennis did in the first half, with that goal as the crowning achievement as well. We could have scored a second or third, but it just wasn't there. In any case, I am very satisfied. We took the three points and were also able to keep the score zero for the third or fourth time in a row. Moreover, everyone kept doing their job. Not only the defenders, but also the attackers. Charles was also strong again. In the first half still a bit uncomfortable, but in the second half he got more into his game."

The Bruges coach planned to rest Hans Vanaken against STVV, but that plan fell apart as Ruud Vormer had to drop out in extremis. "Ruud had stomach problems. It was swollen and so he was taken to the hospital. However, the results are not yet known. As a result, Hans still had to start, although he actually needed rest. He has already played everything since the beginning of this season. Hans is not asking to skip a game, but we have to protect him. After all, it is impossible to be equally sharp every game. It is especially a big disadvantage that we cannot do five substitutions like our opponents in the Champions League. That's a disadvantage anyway for all Belgian teams playing European."

In the end, it was David Okereke who crowned himself match winner. "I'm super happy for all the guys. After all, we win together and also lose together. But I'm definitely happy about David's substitution. He performed his duties well and stayed cool when finishing. He scored good points. Hans Vanaken is our best finisher, but David might be in the top three in terms of finishing. That's why it's also good that he can play facing goal, that's his strength." (SF)