McInnes Prepares Kilmarnock for Tactical Battle Against Surprise-Formed Cercle Bruges

In a thrilling build-up to the UEFA Europa League clash, Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has expressed his surprise at the tactical shift employed by Cercle Bruges during their recent league debut, which ended in a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Westerlo. This unexpected alteration in Cercle's approach, coming on the heels of a closely contested encounter with Kilmarnock just a week prior, has raised questions about their preparation as they gear up for the upcoming second leg of their qualifying tie. Speaking to BBC Scotland, McInnes noted that while the Belgian side's changes were unexpected, he respects the strategic decisions made by their head coach, Miron Muslić. “It was a wee bit of a surprise, the change of shape but obviously the manager has his own reasons for that,” he remarked. The switch to a diamond formation in midfield, which sacrificed width, did not pay off against Westerlo, and it remains to be seen if Muslić will revert to a more traditional approach against Kilmarnock. Despite the Belgians' recent struggles, McInnes is wary of underestimating them ahead of Thursday's decisive match at the Jan Breydel Stadium. “They have an identity,” he emphasized, recognizing the aggressive and physically demanding style that Cercle has exhibited in their previous encounters. With the tie finely poised after David Watson's timely equalizer at Rugby Park last week, both teams are well aware of the stakes involved. The Kilmarnock squad will be bolstered by the return of striker Marley Watkins, who missed the first leg but played a pivotal role last season as the club's top goalscorer. McInnes expressed optimism about Watkins' impact, stating, “It's a huge boost... he was our top goalscorer for us last season. Along with Kyle Vassell, they were a brilliant partnership.” With over 3,000 Kilmarnock fans making the journey to Bruges, McInnes is determined to ensure it becomes a memorable trip for all involved. As the match approaches, he acknowledges the challenge that lies ahead against a Cercle team eager to make their mark in European competition. The Belgian side, competing in Europe for the first time since the 2010-11 season, aims to reclaim their position on the continental stage. Kilmarnock, on the other hand, is seeking to break new ground, having last competed in European fixtures five years ago. Both teams are aware of their histories; Kilmarnock's best European run dates back to 1967 when they reached the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup semi-finals. Meanwhile, Cercle has had limited success in Europe, reaching the third round of qualifying just once. The stage is set for a fierce battle, with McInnes insisting, "We are 90 minutes away from causing an upset." As the excitement builds, football fans are bracing for what promises to be a gripping encounter—a true test of skill, strategy, and resilience on the European stage.