Read below all the pitch-side reactions after the match between Club Brugge and KV Mechelen.
Hans Vanaken: "Focus on ourselves and then we’ll see what the rest do"
Captain Hans Vanaken marked his return with a man of the match display. “The win itself is what matters. Of course it helps that Union drop points tonight, but for us it’s about focusing on our own game and then you see what the rest do. Tonight it works in both ways, so it couldn’t really be better."
“We started the game well and got an early goal inside ten minutes. Then we concede from a free-kick and you feel the confidence dip a bit, the drive isn’t quite the same. At half-time we put that right and said we needed to bring the energy again. We tweaked our positioning slightly in a few areas and that early goal from Stanković gives the team a lift. That opened up the game and we were very strong in the second half."
“We agreed I’d signal if I couldn’t go on. So I’m happy I didn’t have to come off because I couldn’t continue, it was just precautionary for the last ten minutes. I can play through the pain without making it worse, so I keep going to help the team. That’s football and I’m fine with that.”
Ivan Leko: "Very pleased with this win"
Club Brugge ran riot in the second half to seal a 6-1 win over KV Mechelen. With Union dropping points, it’s a big step forward. Ivan Leko was understandably satisfied after the final whistle.
“First of all I’m very happy with the win", said the Club coach. “I do agree with my colleague that the scoreline might be a bit harsh. In the first half we had enough chances to go in 3-1 or 4-1 up, but it still felt quite balanced. The second half was a different story, so I’m very pleased with the result. From tomorrow the focus is immediately on the game against Gent."
“In the second half we showed much more aggression, more heart and more desire, and that leads to goals.” On Union’s draw, Leko added: “Honestly it doesn’t really concern me. It’s unfortunate for them to drop points, but I focus on my own team. After last weekend I didn’t feel extra pressure. That’s football, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.”
Hugo Vetlesen: "Mistakes from the first half corrected well after the break"
Hugo Vetlesen repaid his manager’s faith with a goal. Club were dominant until the equaliser shifted momentum. “One moment can change a game and that was the case with their goal. We stopped finding solutions and lost our rhythm. Combined with too many mistakes, that made it difficult", the Norwegian analyses.
“In the second half we started strongly again and went back in front. There was no lack of confidence. We picked up the good rhythm from the start and began to play again. We corrected those first-half mistakes very well.”
Nordin Jackers: "This win feels extra good"
Goalkeeper Nordin Jackers reflected positively on the performance and the three points. “It’s a good result for us. We started well and could have made it 2-0, but then we concede the equaliser. Today we showed that even when we take a hit, we can respond."
“We have to take it game by game. These play-offs are a rollercoaster. We need to collect as many points as possible and stick to our own game. Two days ago people thought we were out of the title race, now we’re right back in it.”
Looking ahead, Jackers remained cautious. “Games against Gent are always tough, but I’m confident we can get a good result if we play our football.”
Carlos Forbs: "t was crucial to get back to winning ways"
The Portuguese winger was decisive with a goal, an assist and a foul leading to that penalty kick. "We’re very happy because this win is extremely important, especially after last week’s result. I don’t really listen to criticism, we know we have to win every game to become champions. I just try to give everything to help the team. Of course it helps that Union drop points, but we just have to keep going. We know exactly what we need to do.”