In a heartfelt revelation on the eve of Club Brugge’s crucial Champions League playoff match against Atalanta, head coach Nicky Hayen shared the deeply personal pre-game ritual he maintains of speaking to his late mother. The 44-year-old, who has engineered a remarkable turnaround for the Belgian club since taking the helm last year, believes this sentimental tradition has played a role in Brugge’s success.
“Before the match I always talk to my mother, who passed away four years ago, much too early,” an emotional Hayen confided during the pre-match press conference. He went on to recount how, prior to last season’s playoffs, he had expressed to her his ambition to “do something crazy” – a wish that culminated in Brugge clinching the Belgian championship.
Am I deeply religious? No, but I do feel that it is something for me. I must believe there is something.
– Nicky Hayen, Club Brugge Head Coach
A Coach’s Heavenly Connection
Hayen’s candid admission offers a rare glimpse into the superstitious side of soccer that often remains hidden from public view. Many coaches and players harbor pre-match rituals and lucky charms they believe can tip the scales in their favor, but few speak openly about such matters, let alone any involving communication with the other side.
For Hayen, the supernatural connection he feels with his departed mother seems to serve as both a source of emotional strength and a tactical sounding board. One can only imagine the wisdom and encouragement she imparts from her heavenly vantage point.
Brugge’s Miracle Worker
Since his impromptu appointment as interim manager in March 2022, Hayen has orchestrated a remarkable renaissance for Club Brugge. He not only guided them to an improbable league title, but has them poised to qualify for the Champions League group stage after a 2-1 victory over Atalanta in the playoff first leg.
- Took over as interim manager in March 2022
- Led Brugge to the Belgian championship
- Earned permanent appointment as head coach
- Has Brugge in 2nd place domestically this season
- One win away from Champions League group stage
While Hayen humbly deflects credit to his players, there’s no denying the immense impact he’s had in a short time. And who knows how much of that success stems from the intangible boost provided by his pregame chats with mom.
Atalanta Aiming to Spoil the Script
Standing in the way of Brugge’s Champions League dream is an Atalanta side that will be desperate to overturn the first-leg deficit. Hayen fully expects the Italian outfit to come out firing on home soil.
Atalanta will definitely play more attacking. At home they also want to be more dominant. They also have the team for that, so we expect a difficult evening.
– Nicky Hayen on the second-leg challenge
To weather the anticipated storm, Hayen stressed the need for Brugge to “play our own game and especially show the tactical discipline of last week.” A tall order in the cauldron of a fired-up Gewiss Stadium, but one Hayen believes his squad is capable of fulfilling.
A Mother’s Guiding Light
As the Brugge players take the field in Bergamo, their coach’s heart and mind will undoubtedly be linked to the spirit of his late mother. In those final quiet moments before kickoff, Hayen will summon her presence once more, hoping her love and guidance can spur his club to another momentous achievement.
The outcome of this match may well hinge on fine margins and pivotal moments. Should Brugge prevail, Hayen’s poignant ritual will assume an almost mythical quality—the inspirational tale of a coach who harnessed a familial bond that transcends earthly constraints to take his team to unimaginable heights. In the high-stakes world of European football, where any edge is zealously sought, a mother’s love might just be the most potent talisman of all.
