LIVE (Wed, 8.45 pm). Hoefkens brings Lang into selection again: “Sometimes you have to be patient” | Belgian Football

The non-selection of Noa Lang and the suspension of Abakar Sylla are two blemishes on what was otherwise a top week for Club Brugge. Coach Carl Hoefkens examined both cases during his preview press conference on the arrival of STVV: “Noa is in the selection again. Was he understanding? That was not easy, no. With his status it is not easy in this bigger picture. I know the World Cup is coming up and he’s under some sort of time pressure. It’s just important to me not to think about that. Performing on the field is the most important. If he puts his energy into that, the rest will follow. Will we see the best Noa Lang again at Club? That is absolutely possible.”

Lang did not celebrate with the group at Atlético, visibly disappointed after he did not get playing minutes and thus could not contribute to the success: “At a certain point the team is there. Opportunities don’t just happen, sometimes you have to be patient – it is the same with others. I understand that he is questioning this with his qualities, but I have always said that I will not change for the sake of change. If he gets the chance, he has to show his qualities. And I am really looking forward to that.”

Abakar Sylla has to answer for his tackle on Sunday on the field of Anderlecht this afternoon. He may still play against STVV, but then in principle he will miss the matches against Union and KV Oostende: “Something like this is never positive, although it can be a clear lesson. It is definitely a working point. He has a calm character and is never exuberant in the group. However, he occasionally loses his cool in the matches. In the future, he must learn to keep calm.”

With the exception of Rits, Hoefkens can count on a fully fit core, although Clinton Mata is again struggling with hindrance. He will test Wednesday morning.