Hans Vanaken: "We had our chances, but it's a darned pity that we couldn't capitalise on them."
“Our game plan worked out well, it's a pity that we conceded those goals. In the second half we really felt like something was possible here today. We had our chances, it's just a darned pity that we couldn't capitalise on them. And once that first goal came, you get that blow, and fatigue starts playing its part. We wanted to put all our chips on the table to get that equaliser, but we just conceded more.”
Gustaf Nilsson: “Too heavy a verdict.“
“It's clear that this is too heavy a verdict. We were able to put our foot next to that of Dortmund until Minute 75, but the devil was in the details today. That first goal came from a deflected ball, that's just bad luck. After that, we took a bit more risks, and offered too much space, and that's something that gets punished at this level. It's sad that we weren't able to create an upset today. We put in a fine performance, but didn't get what we deserved. The difference between the two teams was mainly inside the boxes. We also had our fair share of chances, but were a bit unlucky in our finishing. If that attempt by Hugo (Vetlesen, red) would have gone in, it might have completely changed the game.”
When asked whether the level in this Champions League is much different than that of last season's Europa League with Union, Nilsson mentioned: “Last season we played Liverpool, and they went on to win at AC Milan yesterday. And there's more examples like that. To boot, I have played Dortmund before, and you know you get to play a great outfit. They weren't in last season's Final by accident. A number of hefty missions await us, with the away game in Graz as crucial. But before that, we still have a cracker of a game against Gent in store.” (MV)
Maxim De Cuyper: “Played with guts.“
“Those who haven't seen the game might think we were thoroughly outplayed, but it was to the contrary, the scoreboard is not always correct. Things didn't always go our way, which prevented us from making the most of the moments we had. We definitely did our part, particularly in the second half when we were quite in control of the game, creating a number of chances but failing to score. A goal might have helped us to take a more waiting stance by the end of the game. More was definitely in it, particularly because we played with guts, as we had nothing to lose against this Dortmund. On the other hand, there's no denying that they have a team harbouring so much quality, with a solid bench too. Today they brought on a number of substitutes who made the difference, albeit with a touch of luck.”
The focus should now be on Sunday's game, De Cuyper finished: “We did not merit this defeat. We need to swallow this pill, and take the many positive things we did towards Sunday. We should address the situations where we could have done better, surely, but on Sunday we'll have to play our own football again.” (MV)
Nicky Hayen: "Bitter final result, but so proud of our performance."
"First of all, this is a bitter final result, but I am very positive about our first 75 minutes. The reigning emotion is that of pride of how we have presented ourselves today. If we manage to keep presenting ourselves in this way in the upcoming CL games, I to believe there are options to claiming points. Seizing the moment, and rewarding ourselves will be key."
"We need to bring a sense of efficiency in both boxes, as details really decide on the matter at this level. This performance teamed up with efficiencey, and anything goes. You could see that we started to lack energy by minute 75, and that space was opening up. They are capable of really hurting you at that point, with outstanding players the likes of Adeyemi and Gittens. That deflection in that first goal was a bitter pill to take, because it wasn't even goal-bound. We tried turning the tides after that, but most of our energy was depleted by then. "
One of the stars of the game was Joaquin Seys, back with another five star performance. "It didn't exactly come as a surprise to me, he's just confirming the shape he has been in these past weeks and months. He asked to be subbed himself, as he was feeling pain in his foot." Another impeccable performance was put in by Onyedika, a true rock in midfield combining calm with great vista. "Rapha had great impact once again, and this both in possession and in ball loss. He just makes the other players better, helping the team to a very fine performance against a team the likes of Dortmund. We now need to try and bring this level to the league too, and then we can really hurt just any team. We were suffering a bit in the first ten minutes, but then we made a couple of adjustments, and the game was in balance. We played a very mature game", Club's T1 concluded.