'We're not just 11' – Club Brugge coach responds to Onyedika's angry substitution reaction

Club Brugge marked their UEFA Champions League opener in style with a 4-1 victory over Monaco on Thursday evening, but Raphael Onyedika's angry reaction to being substituted marred the celebrations.

The Nigeria international doubled Club Brugge's lead in the 39th minute, finishing from close range after being set up by Carlos Forbs.

However, when he was replaced by Lynnt Audoor in the 81st minute, the midfielder made his frustration clear.

Onyedika left the pitch without acknowledging his replacement and went to the bench to remove his socks and tape, visibly irritated at being withdrawn.

Club Brugge coach Nicky Hayen immediately addressed the situation, emphasizing the professional conduct required from all players in the squad.

At the post-match press conference, Hayen played down the incident, attributing it to a simple misunderstanding.

"Onyedika had indicated he was feeling some discomfort,” the coach was quoted as saying by HLN.

"We only had one substitution left, due to Simon’s injury, and we had to manage it carefully. There was a bit of miscommunication about it.

"I want to be quick about it. Because we’re not just eleven, but 20 or 25 players."

Hayen noted that although Onyedika was frustrated by misplaced passes and missed opportunities, his reaction was not acceptable.

The FC Ebedei product was linked with a summer exit from Brugge, but no transfer materialized. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: clubbrugge.be

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