Reactions after Club - Antwerp

Hans Vanaken: "We're a solid runner-up"

Hans Vanaken was both disappointed and proud of his team following the end of the season: "We can be disappointed with today's result, but not for the season we played. I think this was one of my best seasons at the club. We had a great European run and we won the Belgian cup." The captain sees Union grab the title after a few good seasons from their part. "Hats off to Union. We're a solid runner-up. On towards next season, where I will try to add a seventh league title to my career."

The title race was on until the very last fixture. Quite the achievement after such an intense season. "You play for silverware at Club. That's where we stand for and where we're proud of. Off course we are disappointed now, but that's only natural. But I also feel proud of my team."

Vanaken was not pleased with the performance against Antwerp. "We felt the pressure and the tension. This was by far not our best match in the play-offs. It was nerve-racking. We had the chances to win it, but it didn't happen. At half-time I pushed the lads to go all out."

Vanaken can now take some rest before joining the Belgian nation team. "It's been a very long season, with often two games in a week. I think we played almost sixty games. It's quite enough for now. Now I have a week to recuperate and let it sink it before I turn my focus on the national team."

Maxim De Cuyper: "We've never stopped believing"

Maxim De Cuyper was visibly upset after the final whistle. "It's a blow. We believed in it until this very last match. That was our duty and how we felt. Honestly, I never thought they would go on to win all their games. But they did, very impressive."

Club was held to a draw against Antwerp. "Antwerp played like Union did. They did that well, sitting deep in a low block and very organized. To be fair, I am glad that Union won themselves, other wise this draw would have been ever more difficult to swallow."

The Red Devils is soon expected with the national team. "The season is over, but it's not quite over for me. I have one week to recharge and then I'm off to the national team. I will need this week to be ready."

Nordin Jackers: "Of course I'm disappointed"

Nordin Jackers couldn’t hide his disappointment after the final whistle. “Of course I’m disappointed,” said the goalkeeper. “I think that’s only natural in this situation. We knew the chances were slim, but when one does come along, you have to seize it. Today, we didn’t play our best match of the play-offs. Maybe the circumstances played a part in that, but it could’ve been better regardless.”

Still, Jackers believes Club can be proud of their performance. “As a team, we can pat ourselves on the back. If you look at what we’ve done this season, I think a lot of football fans have enjoyed it.”

The tension during the match was noticeable. “At one point, we suddenly heard it was 1-1 at Union. That obviously sparked some extra emotions. Still, we tried to stay calm, and we told each other that again in the dressing room at halftime. As for pressure ... it's part of the game, and by now we’ve gained some experience with it.”

Finally, Jackers also had praise for the champions. “Congratulations to Union. Anyone who takes 28 out of 30 points in the play-offs undoubtedly deserves the title.”

Nicky Hayen: "Disappointment should make room for pride"

Club couldn’t finish the season with a victory, but in the end, the result didn’t matter much since Union defeated AA Gent and were crowned champions as a result. Nicky Hayen was disappointed with his team's loss of points but, at the same time, proud of the season that had passed.

“We might have had a claim to victory based on possession and dominance, but Antwerp also created a few counter-attacking chances, which could’ve led to more goals. For us, it wasn’t enough to win the match, so in the end, a fair draw. The disappointment as an athlete is always there, but primarily because we didn’t win ourselves. On the other hand, you have to be honest: 28 out of 30 points in the play-offs, Union did that perfectly. So I have to congratulate them on the title.”

For Club, it seemed like it was the game that was just too much. “You could tell everyone was dragging toward the end. There were several key players who lacked freshness. You could feel that they were out of steam, though we did everything we could to win here. Disappointment prevails now, but in a few days, pride will take over when we look at what we’ve achieved this season. With the first Cup in ten years and our Champions League campaign, we’ve had a very good season in the end. Some of the guys were emotional after the match, but that’s because you push yourself so hard toward the finish. It’s also very unfortunate that we couldn’t give the fans what they deserved, but on the other hand, it was really beautiful that the fans showed their gratitude. Now it’s time for a bit of vacation, so the batteries can be fully recharged."