Celtic European Watch: Brugge Tensions Spill Over With Chairman Intervention

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.