Club Brugge Shake-Up: Nicky Hayen Out, Ivan Leko In

Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken expressed surprise over coach Nicky Hayen's sudden dismissal, just before their Champions League match against Arsenal. Hayen was replaced by Ivan Leko, who left KAA Gent unexpectedly. Players were caught off guard by the decision, which followed a league setback.

In an unexpected move, Club Brugge parted ways with coach Nicky Hayen on Monday, just days before their crucial Champions League fixture against Arsenal. Captain Hans Vanaken disclosed that the decision blindsided the team, following their recent slip to third in the Belgian league after losing to St Truiden.

Ivan Leko, a familiar face at Brugge, returns for his second stint as coach, having previously led the team from 2017 to 2019. Leko's abrupt departure from KAA Gent raised eyebrows, as even his former club appeared unaware of his imminent arrival at Brugge.

Vanaken, reflecting on Hayen's dismissal, highlighted the disruptive nature of such decisions in football. He cautiously noted differences between Leko and his predecessor, and emphasized the unexpectedness of the situation, stating, "As players, we were surprised."