Ronny Deila. — © BELGIUM
Not the modest Molde FK, but the future of Ronny Deila was (once again) the topic of discussion on Wednesday. The Norwegian shot sharply in the run-up to a match that should save Club Brugge’s season. “If they fire me, they will have to start all over again here. As happened three times last season.”
There was hardly any talk about the Conference League on Wednesday. The return of Mignolet, Thiago or Nusa also turned out to be a footnote. The future of Ronny Deila remains the hottest issue at Club: on the eve of the return match against Molde, the Norwegian firmly rejected the matter.
“Until the bitter end”
When Deila was asked some annoying questions on Wednesday, he shot straight. “That the board is watching? They have to decide whether they think it’s good enough or not. I remain calm,” Deila noted, among other things. Or also: “If they want to change coaches here, then do so. But then you have to start all over again. They also tried that here three times last season.”
Deila just wanted to outline: it is not because he is under heavy fire that all problems at Blue-Zart will soon be solved with a new trainer. He is a bit tired of the fuss surrounding his person. “I also look beyond the results. We were never outplayed this season, had to play a huge number of matches and were unlucky with injuries. I call those reasons, others call them excuses. In the meantime, we sold our top scorer: he has been struggling with injuries ever since. And there is indeed progress in this group. Often you only really start winning prizes from the second season onwards. That was also the case at my previous clubs. I believe in growth and will fight to the bitter end. If the board decides otherwise, I will accept it.”
And then sum up the facts yourself. “We are twenty points behind Union: that is too much. We were also eliminated in the semi-final of the cup by the leader: that can happen. Don’t forget last season: when I arrived here, the club was in worse shape than it is now. Of course I know that the results have to be better. That’s why I’m happy that my group is showing character, that they want to strike back. By the way, we already did that against OH Leuven. My first concern? That match against Molde, our chance at a European quarter-final. I’m really looking forward to it.”
(Read more below the photo)
At training in the run-up to the crucial match against Molde. — © BELGA
“Better than Molde”
If things go wrong, Deila will almost certainly be in the ejection seat. Then Club has failed: the Norwegians are – with all due respect – inferior in all facets.
“If we go out, that’s not enough of us. We are a better team than Molde,” Deila nodded in agreement. “But nowadays you can see everything in black. I’m not like that: we want to go to the next round. You don’t get the chance to reach a quarter-final every season: we will discuss this later.”
The fans seem to have missed this, because the stadium is not even half full on Thursday. “That doesn’t matter: there were fewer people against Besiktas, but the atmosphere was great. We are now going to ensure that by showing it on the field.”