Club Brugge coach reveals he had a constructive conversation with Onyedika after unnecessary red card

Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has held crunch talks with midfielder Raphael Onyedika following his latest disciplinary blunder in the UEFA Champions League clash against AC Milan. 

Onyedika's straight red card, his second in four matches, has sparked concerns over his temperament.

The incident occurred in the 40th minute when Onyedika's ill-fated challenge on AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders left the Dutchman writhing in pain. 

Referee Felix Zwayer promptly issued the red card after a VAR review, deeming the foul too dangerous, as Club Brugge ultimately succumbed to a 3-1 defeat.

This latest setback marked Onyedika's second disciplinary issue in the past month. 

He was red-carded in a Pro League clash against Charleroi on September 27, 2024, and reacted angrily to his substitution in the Belgian top flight against KVC Westerlo.

Acknowledging the need for Onyedika to address his disciplinary issues, the gaffer reckoned that a serious dialogue was made between himself and the player, highlighting that Onyedika doesn't always need to engage in such kind of tackles at critical times.

"A constructive conversation," Hayen revealed in quotes relayed by Het Nieuwsbald.

"There are things that need to be resolved very urgently. We hope that it will work out. Rapha also asked to train on his day off. So the eagerness is there and we like to see that.

"We have offered him solutions and made it clear that he does not always have to go into an all-or-nothing duel at certain times. He is already an impressive guy, he does not always need that."

With Tuesday's red card, the Nigerian International will be unavailable for selection for the Blau-Zwart, when they host Aston Villa next month as they continue their UEFA Champions League campaign.

Ejim Kaycee

Photo Credit: clubbrugge.be

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