Van Bronckhorst Prepares Feyenoord for Champions League Challenge Against Inter
Feyenoord coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst emphasized the need for focus as his team gears up for a crucial Champions League encounter with Inter Milan. Following a home victory against Como, van Bronckhorst stressed that past results hold little significance as they approach Tuesday’s match in Rotterdam.
The game, scheduled to kick off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT), will take place at De Kuip and be officiated by Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg, as reported via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“Getting a result against an Italian team doesn’t mean we’ll replicate it again,” van Bronckhorst stated in a pre-match press conference. “Of course, we analyzed the Como match, but tomorrow we will face a different opponent. Como is new to the Champions League, while Inter has a different caliber altogether. Every team has its weaknesses, though.”
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 14: Gjivai Zechiel of Feyenoord celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Feyenoord and Como 1907 at De Kuip on October 14, 2026 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Van Bronckhorst’s Feyenoord wary of wounded Inter
Inter comes into the match after suffering a 3-1 defeat to rivals Milan in their latest Serie A derby, which has left them trailing league leaders Lazio by three points. Injuries have compounded their issues, as key players including Lautaro Martínez, Benjamin Pavard, John Stones, Curtis Jones and Luis Henrique are currently sidelined.
Van Bronckhorst, who has experience playing for top clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal, confirmed that both Shaqueel van Persie and Reiss Nelson are healthy and ready to perform.
“I’ve watched several Inter matches, including their most recent one,” he reflected. “They’re a tough opponent, and their style of play is similar to ours. They have injuries, but their squad is filled with quality and experience.”
“Inter can effectively defend and then transition to attack with many players. They have a well-rounded team. Absences will create opportunities for us, which we must seize.”
He added, “Tomorrow’s Inter will present a different challenge than what we faced against Barcelona, but they know how to perform in the Champions League. We need to approach the game wisely and aim for a favorable result. While we’ve struggled away, we’ve enjoyed home success against Como. We hope to continue that trend.”
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 25, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Feyenoord has not secured a victory in their last three matches. Van Bronckhorst expressed confidence in his team’s determination to bounce back. “The squad feels energized. They are aware of the three-game winless streak and are eager to demonstrate their resolve,” he stated. “We must be disciplined defensively at critical moments, just as we were successful against Como.”
He also chose to focus on Inter’s capabilities rather than their recent derby defeat. “I didn’t dwell on their last result but assessed their overall performance. They are an elite team, not just for this season. Their players are well-versed in Champions League tactics. My focus remains on their strengths.”
