Glory days for Stijn Stijnen: Patro Eisden is to me as valuable as Club Brugge

Maasmechelen When ex-Red Devil Stijn Stijnen (38) last spring, its appearance was as a trainer at traditieclub Patro Eisden the reactions were cynical. But in twelve months he saved the club from extinction, and he also played another champion. The supporters carry him on hands. “Under the bar at Club Brugge was a childhood dream that came out, but this is the finest achievement in my career,” he says. You should be on roses Stijn. The highlight in your career?

“Eleven years at Club Brugge, that was anyway the most beautiful that I have ever reached. The cup win, European play, the are particularly beautiful moments, and that at the club where as a child I already fan of. The morocco with Danny Vanderlinden put in my portfolio. But this story with Patro is of me the same, because no one there beforehand believed. I am who I am value, with older are going to understand.”

are you proud that your accusers from the past, the review gave?

“I am enjoying the fact too little of the things. During the celebration, I am already busy with the next match, I think. Many ex-colleagues say that, how they had enjoyed having the things in the past. The sportsman wants to look to the future, the focus will automatically turn it back on. I have to really remember to enjoy. Twenty years ago I had the value not recognised. But you will learn the things to appreciate.”

Club Brugge remains a part of my life, my greatest love.

Stijn Stijnen

Your reputation is in the past not always top.

“If you're in our country an opinion, you get headwinds. I have my opinion, always dare to share. And who was at Club Brugge plays, anyway, the supporters of the other top teams. Of my reputation, I'm never awake. People should rely on the facts and not be led by prejudice. Few who in me believed when I was at Patro began to hear.”

You was without a club. Was drawing to drawing?

“Certainly not, because then I was already much earlier at other clubs. But Patro Eisden had potential. I wanted a professional to work with amateurs. You must take into account the possibilities, but we train every afternoon for 15 hours. Some work part-time jobs, others to college, but we have measured a bit and a strong selection is made. We train sometimes separately with focus, you have other teams not come. The ambition was great, hey.”