Patro Eisden is experiencing a historic moment with the arrival of Club Brugge. A full house of 6,000 people and a prestigious poster. Stijn Stijnen and his players dream of a memorable feat. Our editorial staff spoke with Vital Borkelmans, former Patro and Club Brugge player, about this Croky Cup duel.
Patro Eisden is having a remarkable season. The Limburg club occupies fourth place in the Challenger Pro League, after also shining last season. Under the leadership of Stijn Stijnen, the team eliminated Sporting Charleroi in the Belgian Cup with a score of 4-1.
Constant progress for the Patro
“Patro has been performing for several years. What they have accomplished is impressive, particularly with the recent construction of a youth training center. They also work with the future in mind. We must salute the work of Stijnen, who is the key man for Patro,” says Borkelmans, who will kick off the match.
Stijnen has done excellent work for two years in the Challenger Pro League. However, his name does not circulate when a Jupiler Pro League club is looking for a coach. A situation that Borkelmans does not understand.
Club Brugge must be wary
“It’s typically Belgian. When a person is outspoken and has strong opinions, not everyone likes it. Some football figures can get away with anything, but coaches with a strong personality often arouse reluctance. This is disturbing both outside and within the boards of directors. However, the Patro president can sleep soundly with a man like Stijnen at the sports helm. »
Borkelmans observes a particular trend in Belgium. “I have the same feeling with Marc Wilmots, who is also direct. I prefer to work with honest people rather than suffer the intrigues that sometimes plague football. »
Stijnen of course hopes to achieve something with his team. Borkelmans believes this remains possible: “Two years ago, I was present when Patro Eisden only conceded to Club Brugge after extra time. They could have eliminated Club, but Simon Mignolet made a decisive save in the final minutes. If the Club makes a lot of rotations, it could have a complicated evening. The Cup remains a bonus for Bruges, especially with the European deadlines. That’s why I predict a tough match for them. I also sent a message to Stijnen to tell him that I believed in their chances. »
Results above all
Le Patro is making waves thanks to its Cup matches against first division teams. The controversies of recent weeks also illustrate how Belgian football works. Some coaches would have testified anonymously about him in a newspaper, a lack of professionalism according to Borkelmans.
“All the commotion around Patro and Stijnen made me laugh. That people testify anonymously against Patro is lamentable. If you have something to say, have the courage to show yourself. But like I said, that’s the sneaky side of football. With Stijnen, that doesn’t happen: he says what he thinks and that’s to his credit. We always create a great story wherever it is concerned. He has had a reputation since his time at Club Brugge, which I find regrettable. For me, only performance counts. Stijnen gets results and improves his players,” concludes Borkelmans.
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