Nicky Hayen: "15 out of 15, but each time with the smallest difference"
Nicky Hayen saw his team earn a fifth league win on a spin against Dender, but also bore witness to how Club still made things difficult for itself by the end of the game.
"We were in control during the first half. Our ideas and intentions were good, but the quality was not always top notch. We had several smooth combinations through the center and also some good actions on the wings through Forbs and Tzolis. However, we also handed them some dangerous breaks, while we knew we had to be vigilant for that. At halftime we adjusted some details. The main point was that everyone had to make sure they could be played, but that didn't always work out well. As a result, it became more laborious and sluggish. You knew you score that third to avoid getting into trouble again. By the end of the game they came one closer and we were lucky that header at the end did not go in. We took the three points and 15 out of 15, although each time with the smallest of differences. It just shows we are not top yet. We could have made it easier on ourselves by scoring that third goal. Moreover, we gave away some balls, which you should avoid at all costs when you play Barcelona next Wednesday."
Returning from injury, Raphael Onyedika made his comeback, and Club's T1 was very happy about that. "He still had some trouble picking up the pace straight away, but Rapha is crucial for the team. He provides natural stability and balance. He is of huge added value to our team. A start against Barcelona on Wednesday? Thirty minutes was the maximum today for him. We will see in the coming days whether he can start as early as Wednesday, but in any case he will not be able to handle ninety minutes yet."
Nicolò Tresoldi: "Not so clinical"
Tresoldi was pleased with the win, but also critical of his own performance. "We did our job, but we have to keep going. We weren't as clinical today, but the important thing is to claim those three points."
Squid Game was the inspiration for the goal celebration. "Tzolis and Vermant came to me to say we would celebrate like this when one of us three scored. So after my goal we started celebrating like that."
The next match is highlighted in everyone's diaries, as Barcelona heads for Jan Breydel in the UCL. "Lewandowski is one of my idols. I'm most looking forward to playing against him."
Raphael Onyedika: "Ready for the game against FC Barcelona"
"Obviously I'm happy to be back after my painful injury," Onyedika opened his press talk afterwards. "It was only about half an hour, but I immediately felt that I could stand my ground again. I worked very hard with the medical staff to get back as early as possible, and today I was able to make my comeback. Of course it's not easy to be on the sidelines and watch your fellow players play, but of course it couldn't be helped. I'm certainly not one hundred percent fit yet, but it won't make much difference anyway. Obviously I'm missing some match rhythm now, but that little half-hour has given me confidence that I'm ready for next Wednesday's game against Barcelona. And yes, it will again not be an easy task next Wednesday, that's only too obvious, but nevertheless everyone in our team is obviously looking forward to it, that's a fact. We know what we are up against, but still we should not be afraid."