Bayer Leverkusen’s dominant 4-0 victory over Feyenoord in their Champions League opener was a testament to their efficiency and the strategic prowess of manager Xabi Alonso. The German side’s four first-half goals completely shut down the Dutch visitors, leaving Feyenoord coach Brian Priske with a difficult task of motivating his team for the upcoming matches.
Alonso, a two-time Champions League winner as a player, praised his team’s ability to adapt to Feyenoord’s pressing game, eventually capitalizing on their opportunities and securing a resounding victory. “It may have looked pretty easy, but it’s really not,” he said. “It took us some time to come to terms with Feyenoord’s pressing game, but after that, the first half was really complete.” Leverkusen’s efficiency was evident in their ability to score four goals from just five shots on target in the first half.
Leverkusen’s Dutch star Jeremie Frimpong, playing a homecoming game, added to the victory, describing the match as “special.” He reflected on the team’s dominant performance, stating, “We played a good first half, were dominant, and played our game.”
For Feyenoord coach Brian Priske, stepping into the role of former manager Arne Slot, who is now in charge of Liverpool, the 4-0 defeat was a harsh reality check. He acknowledged the team’s weaknesses and admitted that Feyenoord was not yet ready for the Champions League’s intensity. “I think that’s the easy and logical conclusion, yes.”
Despite the heavy defeat, Priske praised his players’ fighting spirit in the second half, even though Leverkusen eased off their pressure after their four-goal advantage. He emphasized the importance of bouncing back from this defeat and focused on preparing his team for the challenges ahead. “It’s definitely a hard time in this moment, but I’m a big believer that that’s where you show your strength as a person and also as a player or a coach.” He concluded, “I’m going to get up tomorrow and I’m going to do everything I can to prepare the boys to be even better.”
