Club Brugge president Bart Verhaeghe has welcomed the club’s UEFA Champions League league-phase opponents while voicing sharp criticism of the congested international calendar and confirming the long-term futures of defenders Joaquin Seys and Nicolo Tresoldi. Speaking following the European draw, Verhaeghe highlighted the glamour fixtures ahead for the Belgian side, including a marquee clash against Liverpool and an away trip to face Napoli.
Champions League Draw Yields High-Profile Fixtures for Club Brugge
Club Brugge discovered their eight opponents for the newly formatted UEFA Champions League league phase following Thursday’s draw ceremony. The Belgian Pro League side secured marquee fixtures that include a home match against English giants Liverpool and a trip to Italy to face Napoli, where Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne features.
Reacting to the pairing, Verhaeghe expressed clear satisfaction with the draw’s entertainment value for supporters and the club alike. Local media outlets in Belgium playfully suggested the Club Brugge chairman should visit a newsagent to fill out a EuroMillions lottery ticket given the prestige and financial upside of the glamorous ties.
Criticism of the Global Football Calendar and the World Cup
Beyond the excitement of European competition, Verhaeghe turned his attention to broader structural issues within professional football. The Club Brugge executive delivered pointed remarks criticizing the expansion of international tournaments, specifically targeting the FIFA World Cup and the relentless buildup of fixture congestion facing elite players.
Squad Stability: Seys and Tresoldi Remain in Bruges
Addressing ongoing transfer speculation ahead of the window’s close, Verhaeghe moved quickly to quash rumors surrounding key members of the squad. The chairman confirmed that both Joaquin Seys and Nicolo Tresoldi will remain with Club Brugge for the current campaign.
“We are very open about that,” Verhaeghe stated regarding the players’ statuses, making it clear that the club intends to maintain its core roster intact as they prepare to balance domestic title ambitions with a demanding European schedule.
Next Steps and Fixture Schedule
Club Brugge turns its focus back to domestic league action before finalising preparations for the opening round of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Official club channels will provide updates regarding ticket sales, travel packages for away fixtures, and confirmed kickoff times for the European slate.
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