Feyenoord legend warns Van Bronckhorst ahead of Barcelona Camp Nou clash
Wim Rijsbergen has advised Giovanni van Bronckhorst to remain compact against Barcelona in their upcoming Champions League fixture.
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Giovanni van Bronckhorst is preparing Feyenoord for a landmark Champions League fixture against Barcelona at Camp Nou. The encounter marks only the third official meeting between the clubs in history, carrying extra significance for Van Bronckhorst as he returns to the stadium where he enjoyed a storied playing career.
Feyenoord legend Wim Rijsbergen, who played in the club's 1974 visit to the stadium, has warned the current manager against attempting to press high. He believes that playing against a star-studded Barcelona side requires defensive discipline rather than an aggressive approach.
We had played in big stadiums, but Barcelona had an even bigger one. The really big names just got an extra kick. Nowadays managers want to press high, but that doesn't seem wise. It will have to be compact. Wim Rijsbergen
Van Bronckhorst, who won two La Liga titles and the 2006 Champions League during his time in Spain, is currently balancing European prestige with domestic duties. Feyenoord has dropped four points in the Eredivisie early in the season, and a strong defensive performance in Spain could prove vital for their confidence.
The squad will look to navigate a demanding schedule, focusing on this high-profile test before shifting their attention back to domestic league action.