NOS Voetbal•yesterday, 5:32 PM•Adjusted yesterday, 9:38 PM
Feyenoord coach Priske: ‘Manchester City still the best team in the world’
Feyenoord coach Brian Priske will again have Santiago Giménez and Justin Bijlow available for the Champions League match against Manchester City.
Quinten Timber and Jordan Lotomba, who were also missing against SC Heerenveen on Saturday, also traveled to England.
Calvin Stengs, who made his return last weekend, stayed behind in Rotterdam as planned.
No starting place for Giménez
The Danish trainer announced at the press conference in Manchester that he had the four available. However, Giménez, who was sidelined for two months with a thigh injury, will not kick off. “Santiago has not played any minutes since his injury. He will most likely not be in the starting line-up.”
ANPSantiago Giménez
Priske wants to say less about the choice between goalkeepers Timon Wellenreuther and Bijlow, who was absent for three weeks. “You will have to wait until kick-off. We will take it day by day, game by game.”
Best in the world
Opponent Manchester City is undefeated in the last 33 home games in the Champions League. Still, it seems like a perfect time for the Rotterdam team to meet the champion of England. The Citizens lost the last five games and suddenly there seems to be a crisis in Manchester.
Priske sees it differently: “It is still a very good team, with world-class players. As far as I am concerned, City is still the best team in the world.”
ANP players from Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium on the eve of the Champions League match against Manchester City
According to the Feyenoord coach, City’s results are particularly disappointing, because he has little to say about the game. “They were unhappy against Tottenham (4-0 loss to City, ed.). They should have gotten many more points from those five games.”
Yet the Dane also sees opportunities for his own team. “Tottenham punished them in a few transitions. That is also our weapon. We know we will have to play a perfect match, especially defensively.”
‘Stay cool’
Feyenoord will have to choose the right moments for the switch. “Stay cool,” says Priske, but sometimes also keep possession of the ball and take the pace out of the match.
According to Priske, not much will change at Feyenoord, but he also wants to be realistic. “We remain who we are, but when you play against City you adjust some details.”
“We are not coming to defend a draw. That starts with defensive work and then we will have to seize our moments. Otherwise it will be a long evening.”
Manchester City-Feyenoord at NOS
The match between Manchester City and Feyenoord starts on Tuesday at 9 p.m. and can be followed by NOS via a live blog on NOS.nl and the NOS app and via an integral radio report in Along the Line and Surroundings on NPO Radio 1.
A summary can be seen in the late NOS Journaal on NPO 1 at 11:20 PM.
Feyenoord vs. Manchester City: The Calm Before the Storm
Well, well, well! It seems Feyenoord coach Brian Priske has quite the game on his hands as he prepares his team to face off against the Premier League titans, Manchester City. Now, let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t a David versus Goliath situation; it’s more like David showing up at Goliath’s house for dinner, and Goliath just had a rough day at work!
The Squad Shuffle
First off, Feyenoord has some of their key players available for this Champions League clash—Santiago Giménez and Justin Bijlow making their returns like they forgot their keys at the last party. But wait, there’s a twist! Priske has waved a fond goodbye to Giménez’s starting aspirations as he’s been sulking on the sidelines for two months due to a thigh issue. “Santiago has not played any minutes since his injury. He will most likely not be in the starting lineup,” Priske said, sealing the deal on a less-than-ideal comeback. It’s like bringing a party popper but forgetting the actual party!
Manchester City: The Giants That Stumble
Speaking of parties, Manchester City, our so-called ‘best team in the world,’ seem to have stumbled into a crisis. After five consecutive losses, those City boys must be feeling like the late-night karaoke singers getting booed off the stage. But Priske isn’t writing them off just yet. “It is still a very good team, with world-class players. As far as I am concerned, City is still the best team in the world,” he insists. Brian, I love your optimism! “Thank you! And can I have a side of confidence with that?”
City’s Misfortunes: Priske’s Opportunity?
Priske sees a shiny opportunity in what looks like City having a mere off night rather than a full-blown existential crisis. It’s totally like you only have to catch them on the wrong foot to nab a victory. “Tottenham punished them in a few transitions. That is also our weapon,” Priske said, as if Feyenoord’s game plan is to walk in and steal the emeralds while the guards are busy complaining about their last performance. The Feyenoord coach’s tactical advice: “Stay cool,” he says, which as we all know, is easier said than done—especially when you’re on the pitch against a team that spends money like it’s on fire!
Not Just Defenders
Now, Priske insists that Feyenoord isn’t just going to mount a defensive wall and sing “Kumbaya” while City hurls shots at them. Instead, they intend to seize their moments with a game plan that reads like a thriller novel: “We are not coming to defend a draw. That starts with defensive work and then we will have to seize our moments. Otherwise, it will be a long evening.” It’s like going to a buffet but knowing you can only have two plates—make those plates count!
The Match Details
So, mark your calendars, folks! This clash is set to kick off on Tuesday at 9 PM. You can follow the sweat, the groans, and the glory via the NOS live blog, or listen to it in the comforts of your home like you’re in a football commentary bubble. Don’t forget, a summary will be brought to you in the late NOS Journaal at 11:20 PM, right after everyone’s had a chance to cool down!
Final Thoughts
In the end, what the Feyenoord team needs to do is show up, do their best impersonation of David, and maybe, just maybe, walk out with more than just the memories of having faced the best—or at least, a City team that’s having an off day. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more entertaining than a good old-fashioned upset!
NOS Voetbal•yesterday, 5:32 PM•Adjusted yesterday, 9:38 PM
Feyenoord coach Priske acknowledges Manchester City claims the title of ‘best team in the world’.
In anticipation of the critical Champions League clash against Manchester City, Feyenoord coach Brian Priske confirmed that both Santiago Giménez and Justin Bijlow are fit and ready for selection.
Additionally, Quinten Timber and Jordan Lotomba, who missed the match against SC Heerenveen, have also made the trip to England.
Meanwhile, Calvin Stengs, who recently returned from injury, will remain in Rotterdam to continue his recovery as per the team’s plan.
No starting place for Giménez
During the press conference held in Manchester, Priske revealed that despite having four players available, Santiago Giménez will not be starting. “He has not played any minutes since his thigh injury and is therefore unlikely to feature from the outset.”
Priske, however, remained tight-lipped regarding the decision between goalkeepers Timon Wellenreuther and the returning Bijlow, hinting at suspense leading up to kick-off. “You will have to wait until the match begins. We are taking it day by day.”
Best in the world
Against the backdrop of Manchester City’s impressive 33-match unbeaten streak at home in the Champions League, the timing of this encounter could be fortuitous for Feyenoord. The English champions have stumbled recently, suffering defeats in their last five matches, raising questions about their current form.
Priske offered a different perspective, insisting that Manchester City remains a formidable force filled with world-class talent. “In my opinion, they still hold the title of the best team in the world.”
On City’s recent lackluster performances, Priske expressed disappointment, noting that they seemed unfortunate in their matches. “Against Tottenham, they faced a heavy loss (4-0) and should have accumulated more points in those five encounters.”
Nonetheless, the Feyenoord coach sees potential for his team to capitalize on City’s vulnerabilities. “Tottenham was effective in exploiting transitions, which is a strategy we aim to implement as well. We know we must deliver a flawless performance, particularly defensively.”
‘Stay cool’
Priske emphasized the importance of choosing the right moments to initiate attacks. “Stay cool,” he advised, while also highlighting the need to maintain possession and control the tempo of the game.
While insisting that Feyenoord will stay true to their identity, Priske acknowledged the necessity of making specific tactical adjustments when facing a team of City’s caliber. “We remain who we are, but adjustments to our strategy will be required when playing against City.”
“We are not coming here merely to defend for a draw; our approach starts with solid defensive work and seizing goal-scoring opportunities as they arise. If we fail to capitalize, it may result in a long night for us.”
Manchester City-Feyenoord at NOS
Fans can catch the clash between Manchester City and Feyenoord on Tuesday at 9 p.m. via a live blog on NOS.nl and the NOS app, alongside an extensive radio report on Along the Line and Surroundings on NPO Radio 1.
A summary of the thrilling encounter will be broadcast later on the NOS Journaal at 11:20 PM on NPO 1.
How do Manchester City’s recent losses affect their performance and tactics in upcoming matches?
Ardship that could have gone differently,” he remarked, underscoring his belief that City’s recent losses do not diminish their quality. “They have world-class players capable of turning the game around at any moment.”
Game Strategy: A Balancing Act
Priske is keen on emphasizing a balanced approach, one that doesn’t overly compromise Feyenoord’s identity. “We are not coming to defend a draw,” Priske asserted, indicating that while defensive solidity is fundamental, they also aim to capitalize on any chances that arise. Success against a side like Manchester City often hinges on taking calculated risks, especially during transitions where City may be vulnerable.
Live Coverage for Fans
For those unable to witness the match in person, fans can tune in to the live coverage on NOS.nl and through the NOS app. The excitement will be palpable as the clock ticks down to the 9 PM kickoff. And for those who relish post-match analysis, tune in at 11:20 PM for a comprehensive summary on NPO 1, featuring the highlights and reactions from this monumental clash.
In Conclusion
As the anticipation builds, Feyenoord holds both the hopes of their supporters and the challenge of facing one of the toughest teams in football. With Brian Priske at the helm, the key will be finding that fine line between careful defense and opportunistic offense. Should the stars align, we might just witness a thrilling upset in the making!
