After 360 minutes without conceding and 7 wins in a row, Simon Mignolet turned around three times. “The difference between our performance at Porto and Sclessin was too big. With their 9 out of 9, we were well aware of the qualities of Standard. And there is always a great atmosphere here. Although I must admit that what the fans did tonight, it was great.”
The goalkeeper recognized the superiority of the Liégeois.
“We controlled the first 25 minutes, having possession. But in the duels and the energy, Standard were better and deserved their victory. No, it was not a question of fatigue.”
Nevertheless, the Flandriens showed a better face after the break. “But Standard scores at the right time. At 1-0, we could still win. But when you take the second, at a bad time and in this way, it becomes impossible.”
The 2-0 cut the legs of Bruges. “But it must also be said that we didn’t create a lot of danger, Bodart didn’t have to make any big saves.”
Simon Mignolet refused to talk about fatigue. The question was rather mental.
“Antwerp? We don’t focus on them, but on our own performances. And we can’t afford to play like that. It’s not acceptable.”
The other fact of the match was the freakout of Abakar Sylla, yet so mature in previous meetings. Simon Mignolet directly tried to reason with him. “I wasn’t mad at him, but I went to talk to him to calm him down. It’s a childhood mistake, it’s normal for it to happen at his age.”