With three important victories in a row, the turnaround at Club Brugge seemed to have started again. But nothing turned out to be further from the truth. Last Sunday, Blauw-Zwart lost after a dramatic match on the field at Union SG, with several strong players making a bad turn.
The people of Bruges threatened to end up in a deep crisis after the painful defeat against KV Kortrijk, but recovered appropriately. Much-needed victories were achieved against FC Lugano and Antwerp FC. A pandering was then handed out to Beerschot in the Croky Cup.
But that winning streak did not get a proper continuation on Sunday. On the Union field, coach Ronny Deila’s team again had a very disappointing performance. The Bruges attackers were unable to achieve much in the front and in defense they gave away chance after chance.
Questionable body language
However, the way in which the players presented themselves raised eyebrows. There was hardly any grinta, the body language of several of the instructors radiated anything but fighting spirit. Guys like Andreas Skov Olsen even left a frustrated impression.
But Hans Vanaken also failed to lead his team. Statistically speaking, the captain is having a solid season, but he still goes down too often in difficult moments. Moreover, it appears to be very difficult for him to encourage his teammates, despite all his experience.
Too little leadership
Analyst Gert Verheyen also pointed this out on Monday evening Extra Time. “He is not so ostentatious and negative, but sometimes you still think ‘come on, Hans’. Scold the others like Mignolet does. He is authorized to do that and also has the status to do so. But they have very little leadership.”
Fellow analyst Wesley Sonck also believes that Vanaken has the right to bang his fist on the table. Although he realizes that the playmaker is not the right type for that. “If anyone is allowed to do that, it is Vanaken. But it is not possible for him,” said the former Golden Shoe.
