Feyenoord coach Brian Priske still believes that he will be playing against the best team in the world on Tuesday, referring to the match against Manchester City in the Champions League.
The English national champions have lost their last five matches, but that does not change anything according to Priske. “They have a lot of quality and it will certainly be very difficult,” he said at the press conference at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
The Feyenoord coach will not underestimate his opponent, but also thinks that coach Pep Guardiola’s team does not underestimate the Rotterdammers. “The recent matches do not make a difference. I think they should have gotten more points in those last matches. They were a bit unlucky against Tottenham on Saturday.
Spurs punished them hard in a few moments of transition. That can also be a weapon for us. It will be important to recognize the moments in which we have to counterattack or calmly keep the ball in the team.”
Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, captain Quinten Timber, Jordan Lotomba and striker Santiago Giménez returned to the Feyenoord selection for the match against City. According to the Danish coach, all four of them can play and some from the start. Calvin Stengs, who made his comeback against Heerenveen on Saturday after three months, stayed behind in Rotterdam.
According to Priske, it is important that his players play with courage in Manchester. “We have to fulfill our tasks and everyone has to be at their best. Our boys are also used to playing big games and are focused.” The coach also said he felt encouraged by the result his players had previously achieved at Benfica. Feyenoord won 3-1 in Lisbon.
The Rotterdammers completed a tactical training session in their own country before leaving for Manchester. “That is also due to the schedule,” said Priske. “Other times we had three days until we had to play again and now only two. We continue to play our own game, but when you have to play against Manchester City, you will also have to work on some details. City has a lot of possession. We do the same in our own country, but we will have to adapt defensively and be well prepared.”
Manchester City – Feyenoord is on Tuesday at 21:00.
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