After the game against Union, we collected reactions from Casper Nielsen, Hans Vanaken and Denis Odoi.
Casper Nielsen: "Showed that we deserve the title"
Halfway through the second half, Casper Nielsen came on for the injured Igor Thiago. Club went on to take the lead through a second goal by Skov Olsen, but Union managed the 2-2 equalizer. “This was the game we all expected", Casper Nielsen indicated to the press. “When I came on, the intensity was really high. I like playing like that. But all in all, I'm disappointed too. That goal we conceded looked too easy. I didn't get a good eye on what happened exactly, but in that duel the ball went in the air slowly, and Mignolet also came out. After that 0-1 it looked like it was going to get tough on us, but we fought back through will power. The changes at half time helped us turn the game around in our favour. We had that chance on the winner by the dying minutes of the game, but oh well, not a lot changes in the table, we still have to beat Anderlecht. It's better like that, really, just go and play football and win. We need to show that we deserve the title.” With two goals, Skov Olsen played a major role in this draw. “Two goals again after he came on. But it's not all about one player, obviously, it's the entire team. It's something we can take to the next games, we showed resilience to make up for that goal. But I do hope everything's fine with Thiago. It looked like a knee issue. It's never nice to see a team mate so sad. Let's hope it turns out well for him.” (KN)
Hans Vanaken: " Fair result"
The 2-2 draw against Union is only the second time Club Brugge loses out on points in these play-offs. A conflicted Hans Vanaken addressed the press: "For the neutral observer this was probably a nice game to watch, but we should not have missed out on those 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 pressure? 2-1 down 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 were no longer able to hold the ball up front and lost control of the game. Although I do believe their equalizer was more of a lucky goal. Nevertheless, we have to analyze things well and take these lessons towards the Anderlecht game."
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 injury we had much less possession in attack. Does fatigue also play a role? Indeed, these have been grueling weeks, but we have a good selection to deal with that. Today Andreas came on at halftime and he immediately scored two, with a bit more luck he would have even scored the winner." (MV)
Denis Odoi: " Blood-curdling final stages"
Just like his skipper, Denis Odoi felt disappointed at the conclusion of the game: "Whether the second half had everything Belgian football is all about? Gosh, I would have preferred it not to be and that we had taken the three points tonight; it would have allowed us to head to Brussels next weekend with a bonus. We still have everything in our own hands, although it promises to be blood-curdling final stages. Kudos though to Union who proved once again today that they are a very strong team. Despite their weaker stint at the start of the play-offs, it is and remains a very good team, a team you are never really done with".
When asked whether he was satisfied with his own performance, Denis said. "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 have to admit that I was disappointed with my second half, I know that in principle I can and must do better at that position." (MV)