After the final group stage match against Chelsea FC, we spoke with Club Brugge captain Lucas Delorge. The midfielder reflected on the defeat, discussed the club’s first weeks under new head coach Piet Cremers, and looked ahead to the remainder of the Otten Innovation Cup.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, Club Brugge captain Lucas Delorge remains focused on the positives. The midfielder saw plenty of encouraging signs in his team’s performance and draws confidence from them heading into the rest of the tournament.
The Otten Innovation Cup is familiar territory for Delorge. The Club Brugge U19 captain also took part in last year’s edition, helping his side secure a respectable third-place finish. This season, he once again plays a key role as captain in a team now led by new head coach Piet Cremers.
Disappointment after an avoidable defeat
Following the match, Delorge felt his team could have taken more from the encounter with Chelsea FC.
“There is always disappointment after a defeat, especially when it is a game you feel you never really had to lose.”
According to the captain, the difference came down to efficiency in both penalty areas.
“We needed to score goals that we didn’t score. At the same time, we conceded goals a little too easily, goals that should not have happened.”
Still, Delorge is keen not to dwell on the setback for too long.
“That’s football. One day everything goes in, the next day nothing does. Now we have to focus on the next match.”
Confidence in the team’s own strengths
Throughout the Otten Innovation Cup, Club Brugge face a variety of opponents and playing styles. However, Delorge insists the team’s approach remains unchanged.
“We always start from our own strengths and want to play our own game. After that, we look at how the opponent reacts.”
The coaching staff then helps the players adapt to the specific qualities of each opponent.
When asked which team had impressed him the most so far, Delorge pointed to AS Monaco.
“I think Monaco caused us the most problems as a team. Not necessarily because of their playing style, but because they were just a little more aggressive and physical.”
Clear ideas under Piet Cremers
Club Brugge have been working with head coach Piet Cremers since the start of the season. Although the preparation period has been relatively short, Delorge already sees clear progress.
“We have been working together for about six weeks now. If you compare where we were six weeks ago to where we are today, you can already see the coach’s ideas coming through in our football.”
A major focus has been on positional play and recognising situations during matches.
“We have to learn to recognise what an opponent is doing and how we can respond to it. That is something we work on a lot during training.”
Football runs in the family
It may come as no surprise that Delorge has developed into the captain of Club Brugge U19. The midfielder comes from a true football family, with his father, uncle and brother all having experience in professional football.
That background has helped shape both his development as a player and his leadership qualities within the squad.
For Delorge, however, the focus remains firmly on the team. His main objective is clear: to keep improving as a group and continue taking steps forward with every match.