Things don’t seem to be going well at Club Brugge ahead of their trip to face Celtic in the UEFA Champions League in just under a fortnight.
Despite beating English Premier League high-flyers Aston Villa 1-0 last time out in Europe, Brugge threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Beerschot last Sunday.
Manager Nicky Hayen slammed his players post-match, telling them they have an ‘attitude problem’.
Now, according to reports in Belgium, the club’s chairman, Bart Verhaeghe, stormed into the dressing room after the game and was ‘furious’ [RecordSport].
Defender Hugo Siquet added insult to injury, publically admitting his frustration at his lack of minutes since joining Brugge for £3m from Bundesliga outfit Freiburg in the summer.
The full-back admitted he doesn’t get much back from boss Hayen for the effort he puts in: “The situation for me is not good, and mentally it is very difficult,” he said (RecordSport).
“I try to give everything for the club, and I will continue to do so until the last moment, but I get little in return.
“I have the right mentality. I think I show a lot of maturity, and when I get my chance, I will be ready and seize it.”
While nothing seems to be running smoothly at Brugge at the moment, Celtic fans should in no way underestimate the Belgian champions. They are a quality side vastly experienced at European level.
When they visit Parkhead a week on Wednesday, however, the criteria for the Hoops is simple: win and, according to Opta, they have a 99% chance of finishing in the top 24 of the Champions League’s initial league phase. Brendan Rodgers’ side know what they have to do.
