Club Bruggeâs dressing room was left in complete shock and awe after head coach Nicky Hayen released his official report on captain Hans Vanaken this week â a statement that not only praised the Belgian playmakerâs unshakable loyalty but also hinted at emotional depth and leadership qualities that few had truly understood before.
The report, which was first shared internally before being made public, was supposed to be a routine season evaluation. Instead, it became one of the most talked-about internal documents in recent club history â an open letter of admiration from a coach who sees in Vanaken something far beyond statistics and tactics.
âCan you find a footballer as faithful, loyal, and dedicated as Hans Vanaken? Itâs an honor to have him on my team,â Hayen wrote. âHeâs the heartbeat of our system, the calm in our chaos, and the player every young talent should look up to.â
According to several sources close to the squad, the atmosphere in the dressing room turned emotional when the content of Hayenâs report was read aloud. Even seasoned professionals were visibly moved by the coachâs words, describing the moment as a powerful reminder of what leadership and loyalty mean in modern football.
đ” A CAPTAIN BEYOND STATS
Vanaken, who has spent over a decade wearing the blue and black of Club Brugge, is often described as âMr. Consistent.â Season after season, he delivers not only goals and assists but also unmatched professionalism and respect for the badge.
Hayenâs report revealed how deeply the captainâs influence runs behind the scenes. âWhen the team is struggling, Hans doesnât shout â he guides. When morale drops, he lifts spirits quietly but effectively,â the coach added.
Insiders say the report even contained personal anecdotes â including moments when Vanaken defended teammates during tough media criticism, organized team meetings without staff involvement, and encouraged younger players during recovery phases.
âYou canât buy loyalty,â Hayen concluded in his note. âYou build it through years of trust, and Hans Vanaken has done exactly that.â
✠THE LOCKER ROOM REACTION
As news of the report spread, players reportedly gathered after training to discuss Hayenâs message. Some described it as a wake-up call, urging them to follow Vanakenâs example not just on the pitch but in commitment to the clubâs long-term goals.
âYou could feel the emotion in the room,â one player told Belgian media. âIt wasnât just about Hans. It was about what he represents â passion, discipline, and loyalty to Club Brugge.â
Others took to social media to echo their coachâs sentiments. Defender Brandon Mechele posted on Instagram:
âA captain who never asks for attention but always earns it. Respect, Hans.â
đŹ FANS REACT WITH PRIDE
Club Brugge supporters, known for their fiery devotion, also reacted strongly to Hayenâs comments. Within hours, hashtags like #CaptainVanaken and #BlueBloodLoyalty began trending among fans.
Messages of admiration flooded the clubâs social media pages:
âHeâs not just our captain â heâs our legend in real time!â one fan wrote.
âNicky Hayen said what every Brugge fan feels. Vanaken = loyalty.â
For many, the coachâs emotional words validated what theyâve known all along â that Hans Vanaken is the living embodiment of Club Bruggeâs identity.
đ„ LOOKING AHEAD
As Club Brugge faces a crucial run of fixtures, Hayenâs heartfelt recognition could not have come at a better time. The coachâs message may have been about one man, but its impact has rippled through the entire squad.
In football, where transfer rumors and short-term deals dominate headlines, moments like these remind everyone that loyalty, respect, and unity still matter.
And as Hayen perfectly summed it up:
âPlayers like Hans Vanaken donât just wear the shirt â they carry the club.â


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