The coach of Belgian facet Membership Brugge, Nicky Hayen, has revealed an uncommon however deeply private pre-match ritual that he believes has performed a key function in his teaching success.
Hayen shared that earlier than each sport, he speaks to his late mom, looking for her steerage and motivation.
Hayen took cost of Membership Brugge on a short lived foundation in March 2024 and shortly led the group to the Belgian championship title. His robust management earned him a everlasting contract in June, and this season, he has guided Brugge to the Champions League playoffs, in addition to a robust second-place place within the Belgian league standings.
Reflecting on his success, Hayen defined that his routine of speaking to his mom earlier than every match has turn into an vital a part of his strategy. He credited this follow with serving to him win the Belgian title, and he plans to proceed it as his group prepares to face Atalanta within the Champions League.
He stated:
Earlier than each match, I discuss to my mom, who handed away 4 years in the past—far too quickly. Final 12 months, earlier than the Belgian league playoffs, I instructed her we wished to do one thing extraordinary, and in the long run, we gained the title.
When requested about his non secular beliefs, Hayen clarified:
Am I deeply non secular? No, however this ritual means one thing to me. I’ve to imagine there’s one thing past this.
Hayen on UCL conflict
Looking forward to the upcoming sport, Hayen acknowledged that Atalanta shall be a tricky opponent, particularly after their slim 2-1 defeat within the first leg. He expects the Italian facet to play a extra attacking fashion at house and goals to keep up his group’s tactical self-discipline.
Hayen defined:
Atalanta will certainly play extra attacking soccer. At house, they are going to need to dominate, and so they have the squad to try this, so we count on a tricky match. We now have to stay to our sport plan and, most significantly, preserve the tactical self-discipline we confirmed final week.
Regardless of the difficult opposition, Hayen stays assured in his group’s skills.
He famous:
The results of the primary leg would not change my strategy. We performed very effectively towards a robust Atalanta group. I imagine in my squad, and we have proven plenty of braveness on this Champions League marketing campaign. Nevertheless, we should be sure that our bravery would not flip into recklessness.
Hayen appeared fairly assured and prepared together with his pre-match ritual providing him energy and tactical plans in place for the upcoming battle in Bergamo tonight.
