Historical appointment Club: pair fears for starting spot

Club Brugge is currently preparing for one of its most important matches this season. The first leg of the semi-finals of the Conference League is scheduled for Thursday. And we will have to wait and see how interim coach Nicky Hayen will position his basic players.

The multiple national champions are having a strong first ever campaign in the UECL. One that started early in the preliminary rounds last summer. Blauw-Zwart successively matched Aarhus GF, KA Akureyri and CA Osasuna, last season’s losing cup finalists in Spain.

In the group stage of the UECL, Bodo/Glimt, FC Lugano and Besiktas JK were then defeated. And during the 1/8th finals, Molde FK was the opponent. Despite a late defeat in the first leg, that diptych was also brought to a successful conclusion.

Via Florence to the final

To reach the semi-finals, only PAOK FC had to be settled. And that turned out to be much easier than expected. Under the new approach Hayen had introduced, the Greeks won 3-0 over two matches.

Finally, if Club also wants to play the final, it will have to squeeze past ACF Fiorentina. Last season’s losing finalist is a difficult opponent, but many experts still see opportunities for the people of Bruges. And so we have to look forward to the starting eleven that Hayen will bring between the lines in Florence.

Jackers and Nusa in trouble

First of all, it remains to be seen who will start between the posts. Nordin Jackers have done very well in recent weeks, but Simon Mignolet is fully fit again. It is therefore expected that the former Golden Boot will be given preference over his younger provincial colleague. Although reportedly no final decision has been made yet.

Another basic player who clearly has to fear for his place is Antonio Nusa. However, the match in Florence would be an ideal opportunity to get back into the spotlight. But the young Norwegian is not in shape and was even replaced at half time in Genk on Sunday. Moreover, with Ferran Jutgla, Philip Zinckernagel and Andreas Skov Olsen, there are many competitors for his position.