Club Brugge had some excellent chances against KV Kortrijk, but failed to score. It went down 1-0 and did a bad job in the battle for the Champions' play-offs. Coach Rik De Mil was very disappointed.
"This is not a step backwards. If you look at the result, of course I am hugely disappointed, but I saw a team that brought what I want to see in terms of mentality and fight. Also in terms of organization, in terms of will and in terms of drive we were right. Blood, sweat and tears, as we say at our club, were present. Unfortunately, efficiency was lacking today. Whether we have to fear the Champions' playoffs? We knew there were five finals left. But just because you lose one doesn't mean you can't qualify anymore. There is no reason to panic, but I am hugely disappointed."
The Bruges coach is clearly gifting confidence to the Bruges youngsters. Jorne Spileers retained his starting place, while in the second half both Chemsdine Talbi and Romeo Vermant were allowed to make their debuts for Blauw-Zwart. "I don't just throw them in. I see them busy during the week and had confidence in them. At this score we had to try to force something. Either we let it run its course with maybe the same result, or we take some risks with young guys who came in full of enthusiasm. It was difficult conditions for those guys, but they were not impressed and took initiative. I'm satisfied with their substitutions." (SF)