Former FC Barcelona defender and present Feyenoord supervisor Giovanni van Bronckhorst returned to the Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday, greater than a decade after serving to the Catalans win the UEFA Champions League in Paris.
The previous Dutch footballer will take cost of his Feyenoord aspect towards Hansi Flick’s Barça of their first league part match of the 2026/27 Champions League on Wednesday night time.
Chatting with the media forward of tomorrow’s contest, the Feyenoord supervisor mirrored on the fond recollections of his time in Catalonia, stating that he was delighted to return, this time within the dugout forward of Wednesday’s Champions League assembly.
“I’ve superb recollections. I performed right here for 4 years and it was a really stunning interval. It was a dream to return right here,” Van Bronckhorst mentioned, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Van Bronckhorst hails Lamine Yamal
Van Bronckhorst was stuffed with reward for Barcelona’s younger star, who he believes is destined to win the Ballon d’Or.
This comes after the nominations for the 2026 Ballon d’Or had been introduced in the present day, with Lamine in the running for the top prize, alongside together with his teammates Pau Cubarsi and Rodri.
“He’s a participant who, at his age, has already gained a lot. Individuals come to the stadium particularly to observe Lamine,” the Feyenoord coach mentioned.
“He has the standard to win the Ballon d’Or. The query is when he’ll win it. He has the potential, with none doubt,” he added.
On plans to face Barcelona
Van Bronckhorst is aware of his Feyenoord aspect are prone to spend intervals defending towards Barcelona, however he doesn’t need them to desert their possession-based type.
“We’re dealing with a workforce that can push us again. We’ll have to remain alert. Now we have to be courageous and attempt to have the ball as a lot as attainable,” Van Bronckhorst defined.
“Protecting possession towards such an excellent workforce is tough, nevertheless it’s a really good problem. Now we have to offer the very best account of ourselves.”
He was notably eager to stress that Feyenoord won’t merely sit deep and take up stress.
“We don’t need to park the bus,” he insisted.
Van Bronckhorst has additionally watched Barcelona in motion lately, together with their emphatic victory over Valencia, and had nothing however reward for Hansi Flick’s workforce.
“Everybody is aware of that Barcelona play superb soccer, maybe they’re the very best workforce in the intervening time. They create numerous possibilities,” he mentioned.
He believes Flick’s aspect are getting more and more near reaching their final goal in Europe.
“They’ve gained two leagues they usually need to win the Champions League. That’s the following step they need to take,” he famous.
“The Champions League was the best achievement of my profession. It’s particular for each participant. The second once they win it’s getting nearer and nearer,” he added.
