Van Bronckhorst: Barcelona are playing the best football at the moment, but Feyenoord are not afraid

Feyenoord head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst discussed the team's Champions League clash with Barcelona. He said they are not afraid of Barcelona, but believes Barcelona may currently be the best-playing team.

Former Barcelona player

Speaking about returning to Barcelona, Van Bronckhorst said: “I spent four years here and I am part of this club's history. We won the Champions League. Coming here is a dream. Returning again feels very special. I have many great memories. I felt very comfortable here, with Messi and Ronaldinho... I have many memories. Facing Barcelona feels strange; this is the first time I have experienced this situation...”

Van Bronckhorst said: “Being able to come here and play on this stage is a wonderful challenge. It will be a difficult match. I think Yamal has achieved a lot at this age. Fans come to the stadium just to watch him. He has the ability to win the Ballon d'Or. The question is more about when he will win it rather than whether he can. He has great potential.”

Speaking about Barcelona's characteristics, Van Bronckhorst said: “This will not be an easy match. Barcelona have started very well. They have quality in every position. We must control possession. This is the challenge we face, and it is a wonderful one. Coming here means we have to give our best level. For the players, this is also an opportunity to show their growth. I will not be afraid; I see this as a challenge. I am not afraid, this is a very good challenge for me. What I like most is that they play the football everyone wants to watch: their passing is smooth and their speed is high... This is a very complete team with Barcelona's DNA. People want to watch them play.”

Valencia vs Barcelona

Speaking about the Valencia vs Barcelona match, Van Bronckhorst said: “I watched that match. Everyone knows that Barcelona are in excellent form and are very likely the best-playing team. We must hold our position and stay away from our own goal. There will always be chances, and we must take them. We must be brave and keep the ball. The opponent will push us back, so we need courage and must try to control possession. We can get close to their goal and build attacks.”

Van Bronckhorst said: “The Champions League is different from the Eredivisie. We will not have as many chances, so we must adjust our style of play. This is still an away match. The players will feel this level during the game, and many of them will learn from it. We have a lot to fight for. For many players, this is the highest-level match. We must be brave and try not to let the difference in quality become too obvious.”

Van Bronckhorst said: “We want a team that is dangerous.”

Speaking about defending against Yamal, Van Bronckhorst said: “He has to face one of the best players in the world. Due to injuries, he is currently playing as a full-back more often than as a centre-back. For him, facing Yamal is a challenge, both for himself and for the whole team.”

Van Bronckhorst concluded: “Barcelona have already won two league titles and also want to win the Champions League. Winning the Champions League is a milestone in my career.”