Van Bronckhorst relishing emotional Barcelona return with Feyenoord

Giovanni van Bronckhorst says facing Barcelona for the first time as Feyenoord manager will feel “strange”, but insists he has no fear ahead of their Champions League meeting.

Feyenoord travel to Barcelona on Wednesday for the opening round of the Champions League league phase, with Van Bronckhorst preparing to return to the club where he spent four successful years as a player.

The Dutch manager said: “I have wonderful memories here in Barcelona. I wore the club shirt for four years alongside outstanding players such as Messi and Ronaldinho, and we won the Champions League, so I am part of this club’s history.

“Playing for Barcelona was a dream, and coming back to face them for the first time feels strange.”

Van Bronckhorst played for Barcelona from 2004 to 2007 after joining from Arsenal. During his time at the Catalan club, he won several trophies, most notably the Champions League, which Barcelona claimed against his former side.

He expects a demanding contest against a Barcelona team that has made a strong start to the season and has quality throughout its squad.

“It will not be an easy match, especially given Barcelona’s strong start to the season and the fact they have excellent players in every position,” Van Bronckhorst said.

“We have to keep possession, but that will be a difficult task against a team of this level. It will also be a great opportunity for Feyenoord’s players to express themselves. I do not feel intimidated or afraid; I see it as a wonderful challenge.”

The former Barcelona defender also warned that Feyenoord will need to adapt to the demands of European competition, particularly because they are playing away from home and may have limited opportunities.

“The Champions League is a different competition from the Dutch league,” he added. “We have to adjust our style of play because we will not get many chances, and we are playing away from home.

“We have to perform with great courage and try to reduce the significant gap between the two teams.”

Barcelona’s squad list included Egypt international forward Hamza Abdelkarim, as well as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon.

Eric Garcia is unavailable because of suspension.

The squad named by Hans-Dieter Flick is:

Goalkeepers: Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, Dominik Livakovic.

Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi, Xavi Espart, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin, Jules Kounde.

Midfielders: Brian Farinas, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal.

Forwards: Hamza Abdelkarim, Gabriel Jesus, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon.

The source’s squad information refers to Barcelona’s list for a meeting with Arsenal, while the match described at the start is Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Feyenoord.