Feyenoord boss proud after tough period ends with Champions League advance
The Dutch club's preparations for last week's first leg were far from ideal when Feyenoord sacked Brian Priske two days before the playoff game, but Bosschaart led them to a 1-0 win at home and they finished off the job at the San Siro.
"This says about the team that they have character. I think that's what I'm most proud of," Bosschaart told Ziggo Sport.
"You have to remember that they come from a very difficult phase, have received a lot of criticism, a change of coach, and then an unknown person comes in front of the group who occasionally throws in some empty slogans.
"That is a very difficult phase for them but I do think we are very clear, very transparent and very honest and this group responds very well to it, so I am proud of it."
Bosschaart's side could not have had a worse start in Milan, when former player Santiago Gimenez put the hosts ahead in the opening minute, but they fought back in the second half, after Milan had Theo Hernandez sent off.
"If you concede a goal within minutes, the plan you wanted to execute will be different again," Bosschaart said.
"Everyone will now say that we took the upper hand after the red card but I also thought in the first half that we played quite well. Only after the red card it might be a little easier."
Feyenoord could return to the San Siro in the next round, where they will face either Inter Milan or Arsenal, but for now Bosschaart needs to let their achievement sink in.
"It's beautiful. We are one round further, so very special," Bosschaart said.
"It's fantastic but I have to say, it hasn't really landed with me yet."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
24 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Newcastle hail signing of Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa as ‘fantastic addition'
The 24-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Magpies, who are understood to have paid an initial £39million for his services, with a further £4m due in add-ons. The Villa academy graduate, who made 167 appearances for the club, 10 of them in last season's Champions League, is head coach Eddie Howe's fourth acquisition of a difficult summer. Jacob Ramsey is a Mag! 🙌 — Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 17, 2025 Ramsey said: 'I'm delighted to be here. It's been a mad two or three days, but I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started. 'This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn't take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself. 'It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle – the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I'm excited to be on the other end of it now.' The Magpies launched their Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw at Villa on Saturday and Ramsey will join the squad on the training pitch as they begin preparations for champions Liverpool's visit to Tyneside a week on Monday. Howe said: 'Jacob is another fantastic addition to our squad. His qualities will bring us something different on the pitch and he fits the profile of being young and hungry to develop, but also with a wealth of Premier League football under his belt. 'Jacob offers versatility and his directness in attack has proven to be a real threat at this level in recent seasons. He performed very well in the Champions League last season too and we believe he'll be a major asset for us.' Ramsey was part of England's European Under-21 Championship-winning squad in 2023 alongside new team-mate Anthony Gordon. He joins Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw in heading for St James' this summer, although much of the focus has been on the future of wantaway striker Alexander Isak, who was not involved at Villa Park.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Dane Murray lifts lid on Celtic ball boy memories with youngster ready to be thrown in Champions League deep end
The defender scored his first Hoops' goal in the Premier Sports Cup victory against Falkirk There are several Celtic stars who have made the journey from ball boy to the Champions League big time at Parkhead. But few have had to take a winding path like Dane Murray. The big defender is dreaming of joining Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney, James Forrest and Anthony Ralston in the band of Bhoys who got to help out their heroes from the sidelines as kids and then became star turns on the pitch. And the opportunity would be all the sweeter for Murray after being forced to wait almost four years to kick on after getting a taste as a teenager. The centre back was launched into the Hoops side in former boss Ange Postecoglou's early days in charge with high-pressure initiations in the Champions League qualifiers against Midtjylland in 2021. But a couple of brutal cruciate injuries back-to-back threatened his career never mind halting his progress. Murray has put the heartache behind him and forced his way back into boss Brendan Rodgers ' plans. He celebrated a new contract on Friday morning with a start and a goal in the Premier Sports Cup win against Falkirk and is now dreaming of completing his dream of walking out at Celtic Park in the Champions League. Celts will need to see off Kairat Almaty this week to get back to the big time and Murray said: 'It definitely makes it all worth it. You think back on hard things, but it really stands you in good stead and puts you in a good place to win, ultimately, the chance that this comes, you go and take it. 'It helps a lot when you've got a manager like him that trusts you and puts you into games like this, and then I'm just grateful for every opportunity that he gives me. 'It's just about being on it every day in training, making sure I'm ready that when my chance does come, I'm ready to take it.' Murray can handle anything after being lobbed in at the deep end four years ago. He said: 'I think it all happened very quickly. I was 18 at the time, it was all maybe too quick for me, or too early, but I think now I'm definitely ready to take that chance. 'It was a crazy, crazy time back then. I was young and it was covid times as well, so it was a lesser crowd. I think it's different for games like this when it's packed out. 'But when you're that young, you just want to take every opportunity you can get, regardless. I felt the pressure a wee bit, but I just took it in my stride.' Murray's positive attitude got him through some dark times – along with the backing of his loved ones and Hoops assistant boss John Kennedy, who knows exactly about the anguish of serious injury. The defender said: 'I did my cruciate twice, so that was pretty much two years out of the game. For me personally, I'm just quite a get-on-with-it kind person, so that's what I did, just got on with it. 'You think the worst, but ultimately, I'm quite an optimistic person, so it's how do I bounce back from this, how do I get myself in the right frame of mind to ultimately go again, and have another crack at it. 'I've got a lot of time for the people that help me along the way, my family, my friends, my girlfriend Yasmin as well, everybody that helped me along the way, as I say, I'm very thankful for that. 'Kendo went through a rough time himself as a player, so I can always lean on him if I need help with anything. 'He's been on a bit of a long journey, as he said himself, and just helped me along the way, so I'm really grateful for the time he gave me.' Murray is also inspired by the Scottish core of the Celtic side – and his fellow former ball boy crew. He said: 'I can't really remember what games, it was that long ago, but there were few of the big ones. 'Going from a ball boy to then playing in it, when I did, and then being a part of it now, it's crazy. It's been a long journey, but I'm just loving every minute. 'This is what I want to be. Look at the players that have been here and done it. For me, it's just a real driving force to go and do what they've done at this club. 'It really gives you a lot of inspiration coming through, seeing these guys and what they've won. You've got guys like James here, who's the most decorated player at the club. 'He's probably sick of people saying that, to be honest, but you can look at guys like him and Cal and then KT coming back as well, it's really inspiring. I think it's always been a factor at this club, so hopefully I can be a part of it as well.' The deep end was calling again last season when he made a late sub appearance against Aston Villa, where his slip up led to a late fourth for the EPL big guns. You live and learn but he's ready to answer the call if he gets the shout to face Kairat in Wednesday's Champions League play-off first leg showdown. He said: 'You dream of Champions League and nights like that, going out and playing, so we'll see what happens. 'That was a bit crazy at Villa Park. I think there was maybe ten minutes left, and it wasn't a great night for myself – thanks for reminding me! 'I was just grateful for the opportunity. That's the goal for this team, is making it through the Champions League and getting as far as we can. 'It's definitely a big game under the lights here. I just hope the boys can go out there and do their best. It was a good performance one Friday, so hopefully we can roll it into Wednesday.'
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Jacob Ramsey delighted with £39m move from Aston Villa to Newcastle
Newcastle have completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey. The 24-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the club, who are understood to have paid an initial £39m for his services, with a further £4m due in add-ons. The Villa academy graduate, who made 167 appearances for their senior team, 10 of them in last season's Champions League, is the fourth acquisition of the summer for the Newcastle head coach, Eddie Howe. 'I'm delighted to be here. It's been a mad two or three days, but I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started,' Ramsey said. 'This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn't take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself. 'It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle – the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I'm excited to be on the other end of it now.' Newcastle began their Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw at Villa on Saturday and Ramsey will join the squad on the training pitch as they begin preparations for the visit of the champions, Liverpool, a week on Monday. Howe said: 'Jacob is another fantastic addition to our squad. His qualities will bring us something different on the pitch and he fits the profile of being young and hungry to develop, but also with a wealth of Premier League football under his belt. 'Jacob offers versatility and his directness in attack has proven to be a real threat at this level in recent seasons. He performed very well in the Champions League last season too and we believe he'll be a major asset for us.' Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Ramsey was part of England's European Under-21 Championship-winning squad in 2023 alongside new teammate Anthony Gordon. He joins Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw in heading for St James' Park this summer.
