Hadj Moussa Ready for Feyenoord’s Champions League Trip to Barcelona
Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa is available and fully focused for the Champions League trip to Barcelona after putting disciplinary trouble and a collapsed transfer behind him.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will take his side to Camp Nou for his first competitive meeting with Barcelona since ending a trophy-laden four-year spell as a player in Catalonia. The 51-year-old won the Champions League there alongside Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho and says he retains only positive memories of the club.
Van Bronckhorst targets brave Feyenoord display
The Feyenoord boss has warned his players not to be overawed by Hansi Flick’s in-form Barcelona, who he believes have the quality to win the competition. But he insists the occasion should be treated as an opportunity for his squad to show its progress, not a reason to retreat.
“I see it as a challenge, not something to fear,” Van Bronckhorst said. “They play football in a way people want to watch, and they are capable of winning the Champions League.”
His key tactical message is for Feyenoord to resist being pinned deep and to keep the ball when possible. Barcelona’s pressure will force the Dutch side backwards at times, but Van Bronckhorst wants his team to hold its shape away from its own penalty area and play with courage in possession.
Who is affected
- Anis Hadj Moussa: Back in the frame after recent off-field disciplinary issues and an unsuccessful move away.
- Mika Marmol: Expected to operate at full-back because of injuries in the Feyenoord squad, facing a demanding task against Barcelona’s attacking width.
- Lamine Yamal: Identified by Van Bronckhorst as a world-class danger, with the Feyenoord manager believing the teenage winger has Ballon d’Or-level potential.
What happens next
Feyenoord now prepare for the sharp rise in tempo at Camp Nou as their Champions League campaign continues. A strong result in Spain would provide a major lift for the Dutch side, while Van Bronckhorst’s return to his former club adds another layer to the fixture.
