We gathered reactions from Vanaken, Skov Olsen and coach Deila after the smooth 1-4 win against Charleroi.
Hans Vanaken: "We still have to improve"
The numerous Bruges supporters who traveled with us saw how Club brought its first away match of the 2024 calendar year at Mambourg to a successful conclusion play by play, much to the satisfaction of Hans Vanaken. "We started the match extremely well. Not insignificantly, because we knew beforehand that Charleroi was under pressure and would therefore be fierce offensively. But Brandon's early goal made them gasp immediately and systematically we managed to further increase that lead before halftime," said the two-time Golden Shoe winner. "We were in complete control of the game for the full 90 minutes and then when you can get an early lead, you make it so much easier on yourself. But regardless of the result, I thought we were very good on the ball and managed to force numerous chances. With a better turf, we probably could have scored a few more goals."
When asked how it was that Blauw-Zwart were now performing so much better, the Bruges captain immediately had an answer ready : "It is true that our results were less in the months of October and November. Consequently, we put our heads together and it was 'back to basics'. Then you notice that the results have gone up again and that we are playing with the necessary confidence. Although we realize very well that there are still a number of working points, so we can and must still improve."
Vanaken also had his vision ready regarding Thiago : "He is an absolute added value for this team and week after week he serves his critics an answer. A few months ago it still seemed as if he was completely worthless and now he scores with his eyes closed. Just goes to show that you should never write anyone off prematurely. It was clear that our Brazilian goalgetter needed an adjustment period, but his progression is enormous. It's up to him, but also to the whole team to keep confirming now." (MV)
Andreas Skov Olsen: "We played 70 minutes of good football"
Club continued the positive line of recent weeks as it went on to win 1-4 at Charleroi. Skov Olsen did not score this time, but with an assist for Thiago he could reconcile afterwards.
"I think we played good soccer for 70 minutes," Skov Olsen spoke afterwards. "Until then we actually played a perfect game. After the first half we had already scored three goals and after that we never really got in trouble, so I think we deservedly won this match. The result is not always what it seems, but tonight I think 1-4 is an accurate representation of the match. In the first half we were able to put a lot of pressure, so Charleroi could hardly threaten. We for our part created a lot of chances and had the pitch been in better shape, we might have scored more goals."
"We knew Charleroi were going to open nippily, which they did, but we were able to make very good use of the space that came on the flanks. After that we were able to show that we are currently in a good flow and that translated into two goals after about 15 minutes of play. Of course we hope we can raise that level a bit more, because if we want to compete for the title later on, we will definitely have to do that. Tonight I am very satisfied with our team performance and we are already looking forward to our next home game against KV Kortrijk." (FDC)
Ronny Deila: "We have the momentum now and that gives us confidence"
After the smooth victory on the Charleroi field, coach Ronny Deila was obviously a satisfied man. He praised the team performance and hopes to keep the momentum going.
"I think the first 60 minutes were very good," the coach began. "I did get a little disappointed in the last half hour. I thought we gave them the ball a little too much then and so that last goal didn't have to be. However, as I said, this is not the easiest displacement and yet we controlled well. We created a lot of chances and we win, so I'm very satisfied though. We kept the ball well in our own ranks and put good pressing. We found the spaces between their defense well, so overall it was a good performance. I wasn't concerned with the opponent and just concentrated on ourselves. We had a good performance today and they should just make an analysis about their performance. We just have to build on the past games and then we are just a tough team to contend with. We did that today by bringing that kind of energy into the match. Then it's always hard to play against us anyway. So now we just have to keep going because it's good momentum for us. We are making progress every game and we will try to show that again on Tuesday as well."
To conclude, the coach also had praise for Thiago. "He almost always scores now, so that's good. He has become really effective and can track the ball very well. He also presses well, so at the moment he actually has everything. Of course, it also helps that he is well served by strong players around him. As I said, we just have to keep doing our tasks well and keep improving and then I am convinced that we can end up with something nice. I think we have been playing at a high level for a long time, but you can always improve things and we are trying to do that. Obviously we have the momentum now and that gives confidence in every match," concluded a satisfied Bruges coach. (TM)