Interim Feyenoord coach Pascal Bosschaart enjoyed a dream start to life at the Eredivisie club after he led them to a 1-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League.
Feyenoord announced they had parted ways with Brian Priske on Monday after a poor run of form, just two days before their first leg tie at Stadion Feijenoord.
Bosschaart, who made 53 appearances for Feyenoord as a player, had been in charge of the club’s under-21’s but was promoted to take charge of Wednesday’s clash.
And he was able to oversee a huge win over Sergio Conceicao’s side, with Igor Paixao’s early goal enough to seal the victory heading into the second leg next week.
Indeed, Feyenoord won their first match in the knockout stages of the European Cup / Champions League since beating Northern Irish side Coleraine back in 1974-95.
The gap of 50 years and 133 days was the longest ever wait between victories by a team at this stage in the competition’s history.
Bosschaart also became the third Feyenoord manager (including interim) to win their first game in charge of the club in the Champions League, after Leo Beenhakker in November 1997 (v Juventus) and Arne Slot in September 2023 (v Celtic).
“I don’t dream very often, but this is a scenario you hope for,” Bosschaart admitted after being moved up from his job in charge of Feyenoord’s under-21 side.
“The things the staff planned worked out and if I was also able to add my own touch, it feels really good.”
“This was a team effort. We have to compliment everyone. We defended incredibly well and had an attacking plan with the wingers.”
Feyenoord cited a lack of consistency in results that resulted in Priske’s dismissal, with the club sitting fifth in the Eredivisie and 12 points behind leaders Ajax.
But the Dutch side have impressed in the Champions League, posting a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich and coming from three goals down to draw at Manchester City.
“The boys have also played some great matches before with fight and passion,” Bosschaart added.
“The only thing you have to do is take away the pressure and give the boys confidence.
“We succeeded in doing that, but it is not me who must take the credit.”
He said the 1-0 win over Milan was the first step, concluding: “We are by no means safe, and we could have won the game 2-0. But we are in a good scenario.”
