After the game against Anderlecht, we gathered reactions from Hans Vanaken, Simon Mignolet, Denis Odoi and Michiel Jonckheere.
Hans Vanaken: "Won by own strength"
With the slightest difference, Club Brugge took three very important points on the field of arch-rival Anderlecht, allowing them to start next weekend's final day of play as leaders. Although Hans Vanaken realizes that a possible nineteenth national title is far from in.
"In principle, next weekend in the derby we have enough of a point but that is precisely a very dangerous starting position. A city derby is always played at the cutting edge and the realization must be there that Cercle Brugge will want to make things particularly difficult for us," the Limburger said in a first reaction. "Once again it will be a matter of clearing our heads, recuperating well and quietly getting ready for the very last game of what is surely a very grueling season. Before the start of these play-offs, nobody 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 did have something to lose and we saw that in the final game against Union. Getting 23 out of 27 is unlikely but we are just in a good flow which allows us to play a little easier and more freely."
When asked if he expected Anderlecht to be stronger today, the Bruges captain put the praise mostly on his own hat. "I think it was just our own strength that allowed Anderlecht to hardly play soccer. We actually took control of the game from the opening minute, had a lot of ball possession and deservedly scored 0-1. We had chances for the 0-2 after that and this would have killed off the home team completely. We were tactically very strong and didn't give away any chances ourselves. Even on stoppages Anderlecht could never really threaten. We forced this result ourselves and this puts us in a wonderful situation, up to us to finish it next weekend." (MV)
Simon Mignolet: "We don't have anything yet"
Simon Mignolet was also asked for a comment shortly after the match. With the biggest smile, the Limburger did not shy away from the questions : "I think there is nothing to argue with on our victory, although the difference was small and details decided this match. For both teams there was a lot of pressure on the game and so you get a rather closed match. But tactically we had a good game. In the first half we clearly had control of the match 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 counter to finish it off. Unfortunately we didn't do that and then it's always a matter of waiting until the whistle blows. But we managed and this win came thanks to our intransigence and an incredible 'fighting spirit'."
When asked at halftime if Nicky Hayen had asked for some more security at the back, the Bruges goalkeeper was very clear. "Not at all because he indicated to keep looking for the 0-2. On the other hand, you know Anderlecht will put some higher pressure and it was important for us to read the situations well and make the switch from there. With this important win we are obviously doing a very good job in view of the title, but at this moment we still have nothing. One last difficult task awaits us next weekend against Cercle." (MV)
Denis Odoi: "Happy to have achieved this"
Denis Odoi gave Club Brugge a hugely important three-point lead and was voted man of the match.
"It's a bizarre feeling. It's a difficult season for me. There were many people who doubted me. So I am happy that I was able to accomplish this for the team. It doesn't matter who scores, but obviously I'm super happy. But if it had been someone else, I would have been equally happy. Now I just hope we can bring it in. We will do everything we can to bring it in, but Cercle will also do everything they can to not let it happen. Now it comes down to training well and being equally focused towards next week." (SF)
Michiel Jonckheere: "This is a collective victory."
Nicky Hayen received two yellow cards from referee Lambrechts ten minutes before time, sending the coach to the stands. Assistant Michiel Jonckheere also had to speak to the press afterwards as a result.
"It is unfortunate that Nicky was ruled out, because he had not shouted anything offensive. At the last it was a matter of survival and trying to get out a few times on the counter. We did but unfortunately we couldn't get a second goal out of that. But we didn't get into any more trouble either. Everything was carried out as requested, giving us a mature victory. Above all, it was also a collective victory."
Thanks to this win, Club Brugge will have enough of a point next week against Cercle to take its nineteenth national title. "It's important to keep the focus. We know who we are playing against. It's a team that always goes for it one hundred percent, but we have to show respect for Cercle Brugge and the track they have taken." (SF)