"Club Brugge have announced the sacking of manager Nicky Hayen just two days before welcoming Arsenal to Jan Breydelstadion in the Champions League. Hayen, who was appointed as the club's permanent boss in June 2024 after a successful stint in interim charge, has been replaced by former Brugge boss Ivan Leko. The 45-year-old's time at the club came to a close after a run of three defeats in their last four matches in all competitions, the latest coming in a 3-2 loss to St. Truidense."
"Club Brugge have announced the sacking of manager Nicky Hayen just two days before welcoming Arsenal to Jan Breydelstadion in the Champions League. Overall, Hayen won 52 of his 88 matches in charge across all competitions (D16 L20), though his successor Leko faces a stern test upon his return to the Brugge dugout. Leko managed Brugge from 2017 until 2019, leading the club to the Pro League title and Belgian Super Cup during his first season at the helm."
"They have won one of their last 18 matches against English opposition (D3 L14), although that win came in the Champions League last term (1-0 v Aston Villa in November 2024). But Brugge's problems in the Champions League have been in defence. They have conceded 24 goals in 11 games in 2025, with only Barcelona (27 in 13 games) conceding more. Brugge have also faced the joint most shots on target (73) and the most expected goals against (23.5 xGA) of any side in the competition this calendar year."
Club Brugge dismissed manager Nicky Hayen two days before the Champions League match with Arsenal and appointed Ivan Leko as his replacement. Hayen was made permanent in June 2024 after interim charge and leaves following three defeats in four matches, including a 3-2 loss to St. Truidense. Brugge sit third in the Belgian Pro League, five points behind Union Saint-Gilloise, and 26th in the 36-team Champions League table. Hayen won 52 of 88 matches (D16 L20). Leko previously managed Brugge from 2017 until 2019, winning the Pro League and Belgian Super Cup. Brugge have defensive issues, conceding 24 goals in 11 games in 2025 and facing high shots-on-target and xGA totals.
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