CLUB Brugge caretaker manager Phillipe Clement admits the club's players are still coming to terms with the surprise departure of former boss Georges Leekens last weekend.

Leekens was dismissed after Brugge suffered their fifth defeat in a row to drop to eighth position in Belgium's Jupiler League.

Clement has stepped up from his former role as assistant while the club's owners appoint a new permanent boss, and admits the upheaval has affected preparations for tonight's Europa League game with Newcastle United.

“I have briefly talked to the players about things, but I didn't say all that much as their heads are probably jammed right now,” he said. “But I made this clear to them – they have the huge advantage of being at Club Brugge with its massive supporters.

“They will always back the team, even in times like these. I have gone through times like these as a player too and there is only one way to get out of this, and that is by working hard to get back on top.”