Like most of his teammates, the goalkeeper was not always impeccable at the start of the season. But the real problems arrived on February 28, during the Croky Cup final return against Union Saint-Gilloise. With five minutes remaining in regulation time and the Saint-Gillois pushing to score a second goal, synonymous with qualification, Mignolet could not continue the match due to a small muscle tear.
After two weeks of absence, the Trudonnaire was back to face… Saint-Trond but had to give up his place due to a new injury, this time to the ischio. His absence was estimated at one month and he therefore missed the start of the Playoffs.
The chronicle of Thomas Chatelle: second goalkeepers, but leading roles
Jackers and Bruges' return to form
His replacement, Nordin Jackers reveals himself between the Bruges poles. And his arrival in the starting eleven coincided with the Blauw&Zwart's resurgence in form. So much so that when Mignolet was able to play again, Nicky Hayen decided to place the former Red Devil on the bench to trust his younger brother, who was in full swing.
If he continues to behave like a true professional, the situation is not easy for someone who played nearly 250 games in the Premier League with Sunderland and Liverpool. Nevertheless, Mignolet did his best to support Jackers: “First of all, Nordin did incredibly well. We get along well and help each other progress. This is the kind of situation that must happen at a big club”he explained after the match against Antwerp this weekend, “just… after everything I’ve been through, I just want to play these matches.”
And the opportunity arrived when the 36-year-old goalkeeper least expected it. Suffering from a slight injury, Nordin Jackers was forced to withdraw from the match against Antwerp. For his return, Mignolet was decisive against Ejuke, Alderweireld or even during a face-to-face with Vincent Janssen.
Nordin Jackers, a status to be consolidated at Club Bruges
A luxury problem for Hayen?
”I waited for my chance and made sure I was there. There was no point in being negative”explained the former Devils after the meeting, “At the beginning, we try to help in the stands or in the locker room. But of course, it's not easy to watch. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, which it did sooner than expected, you have to be there. I am very happy that it worked out and that I was able to play the role that was required of me.”
Jackers' injury solved a problem for manager Nicky Hayen. “A luxury situation is not always good”, he confided after the meeting. But who will be in goal next week against the Union? The Bruges coach does not want to comment: “There is no hierarchy. I said last week that Simon was a top goalkeeper and he proved it. Nordin is in a good series. This is a dangerous situation. Because if I put someone in goal and they don’t perform as they should, then I will receive criticism.”
For his part, Simon Mignolet remains calm even if he does not hide the fact that he would like to play more at the end of the season: “Either way, I hope Nordin's injury isn't too serious. The competition between goalkeepers is always a little more special than for any other position. I have already had many great moments in football. Semi-finals and finals of the Champions League and Europa League. That’s why I also want to play in the Conference League semi-finals and qualify for the final.”
