After the game against Union, we collected reactions from Casper Nielsen, Hans Vanaken and Denis Odoi.
Casper Nielsen: "Showing that we deserve the title"
Casper Nielsen replaced the injured Igor Thiago in the second half. Club then took the lead through a second goal by Skov Olsen, but afterwards Union managed the 2-2 equalizer in an intense topper. "This was the match we all expected," Casper Nielsen commented to the press. "When I filled in, the intensity was very high. I like to play this soccer. But still I stand here a little disappointed. The counter goal we still grabbed seemed too easy to me. I couldn't really see what happened, but in the duel the ball went slowly into the air and Mignolet also came out of his goal. After the 0-1 deficit it seemed difficult for us, but we came back on willpower. With the substitutions at halftime, the picture of the game changed in our favor. At the end we still had the chance for the winning goal, but good. In the standings not now not much changes in the end, we still have to win at Anderlecht. It's better this way think, just play our soccer and win. We have to show that we deserve the title." Skov Olsen had a big part in this draw with two goals. "Yes, back two goals after his substitution. But it's not about one player in the end, it's about the whole team. This is again something to take away, we showed willpower to turn the deficit to our advantage. But I hope everything is okay with Thiago. It seemed to me to be something with his knee. It's not pleasant to see a player sad. Hopefully everything will be fine with him." (KN)
Hans Vanaken: "Fair result"
Club Brugge lost points for a second time in these playoffs, it came no further than a 2-2 draw against cup winner Union at home. Hans Vanaken addressed the press with mixed feelings : "For the neutral viewer this was probably a nice match to watch but we unnecessarily let down two points. Before the break I thought we were by far the better team, in the closing stages it could have gone either way. This is probably a fair result. How come Union was able to put us under pressure? With a 2-1 deficit they have nothing left to lose and they went all out. This allowed them to play looser and put more pressure on us. As a result, we could no longer hold the ball in front and lost control of the game. Although I did think their equalizer was more of a lucky goal. Nevertheless, we have to analyze things well and learn lessons from it with the game at Anderlecht." The Bruges captain was also asked about the double change at halftime : "I thought Kyriani had some trouble while the coach wanted to change Skoras for tactical reasons. Because Union put good pressure every time, we sent more long balls in the direction of Thiago, but after his breakdown we were much less ball-proof in front. Does fatigue also play a role? These have indeed been grueling weeks, but we have an ample core to deal with something like this. Today Andreas fell at halftime and he immediately scored two goals, with some windfall he also scored the winning goal." (MV)
Denis Odoi: "We still have everything in our own hands"
As with Hans Vanaken, Denis Odoi's disappointment was clearly visible: "Whether the second half was publicity for our Belgian soccer? Gosh, I'd rather it wasn't publicity and that we had taken the three points tonight, then we could head to Brussels next weekend with a bonus. In itself, we still have everything in our own hands, although it promises to be a blood-curdling final stage," Odoi knows.
"A compliment though to Union who proved once again today that they are a very strong team. Despite their lesser period at the start of the playoffs, it is and remains a very good team, a team you never finish with."
Finally, the veteran was strict with himself: "In the first half I was allowed to do my thing in midfield and I succeeded quite well, because Puertas was kept out of the game completely. At halftime Sabbe indicated he was having trouble and then I had to take his place. But in all honesty I must admit that I am disappointed with my second half, I know that in principle I can and must do better in that position," Odoi concluded (MV).