“Been grateful every day”: Nicky Hayen responds after Verhaeghe’s speech and emphasizes that Genk “is not on the agenda now”
After a year and a half at the helm of Club Brugge, Nicky Hayen was unexpectedly dismissed. At the presentation of the Raymond Goethals Trophy, he looks back on an intense period, the support of fans and his future in football. In Genk? “I listen to everyone, but at the moment that is not an issue.”
Nicky Hayen, how are you?
Nicky Hayen: “Okay, just a little more free time than usual. I try to use it usefully with my wife and children.”
What do you do then?
Hayen: “Last weekend we went to Hamburg. I saw my best friend there, we caught a cellar cracker and we visited the Christmas market.”
Of course you can talk about the human side, but I try to give it a place as quickly as possible. Life goes on.
Nicky Hayen
How far are you in the processing process?
Hayen: “That is still ongoing, but I am quite mature about it. You know that a club can always find a reason to fire someone. That has now happened.”
“Of course you can talk about the human side, but I try to give it a place as quickly as possible. Life goes on.”
Did you see it coming?
Hayen: “No, not immediately. But somewhere you know that you work for a top club.”
“3 out of 12, mediocre play… there are always reasons. You have to make the analysis yourself: could it have been better? Yes. But I have always been open about that and can look at myself straight in the mirror. I have never hidden behind injuries or bad play.”
No comment on method of dismissal
Many people thought your dismissal was ungrateful.
Hayen: “That’s part of it. I am especially happy with the support I have received. That gives me a warm feeling.”
“It means that you have achieved something, as a coach and as a person. I always try to work hard and treat everyone with respect.”
The support from the public was enormous.
Hayen: “Not only from Club supporters, but also from fans of Anderlecht, Antwerp… These are rivals who show compassion and that means a lot.”
“Respect is crucial for me. I work for a club, not against anyone.”
You want to work correctly, but sometimes things don’t work out. It is what it is.
Nicky Hayen
Do you have any reservations about how things turned out?
Hayen: “I’m not going to comment on that. Apparently that happens in football.”
“You want to work correctly, but sometimes things don’t work out. It’s a shame, but it is what it is.”
Nicky Hayen will be present for the presentation of the Raymond Goethals trophy.
Gratitude
How do you look back on your time at Club Brugge?
Hayen: “With great satisfaction. It was not just my achievement, but that of many people: staff, board, players, supporters. Together you create a strong story. That has been successful over the past 18 months.”
You have also convinced critics.
Hayen: “That was never my goal. I want to learn, listen and improve every day. I don’t want to deal with labels such as good or bad coach. It’s about working with people who are excellent in their profession.”
And are you, as the chairman said, grateful that you got that opportunity at Club Brugge?
Hayen: “If I had to answer that now, it would actually be strange. I have been grateful every day.”
“Even last year, when we scored 1 out of 9 for the match against Antwerp, I remained grateful that the club had confidence in me and kept the peace.”
“That will always remain the case: I am grateful to everyone for every opportunity I get. Now and in the future.”
To Genk?
How quickly are you ready for a new challenge?
Hayen: “When you hear my answers, you know that I am still full of fire. Football remains my passion.”
“I follow everything, every day. I also followed the Club Brugge matches. We’ll see what comes my way.”
Genk also fired a coach today. Can Genk call you?
Hayen: “I listen to everyone, but that is not an issue at the moment. Thorsten (Fink, ed) is a real gentleman. He also sent me a message when I was fired.”
“It’s a shame that a colleague is fired. We are all human.”
“But that’s how it goes in football: today you are praised, tomorrow you pay the price. That will never change.”
Club Brugge player Aleksandar Stankovic comes to greet his ex-coach.
